Hindmarsh wins Ken Thornett Medal

by NRL

legend Nathan Hindmarsh capped a glittering 15-year career in the Blue and Gold tonight with his eighth Ken Thornett Medal for NRL Player of the Year at the Club's annual awards.

Players and officials joined members of the Eels corporate family at Oatlands House in a standing ovation for the retiring Eels captain, who also picked up the Jack Gibson NRL Coaches Award.

It is the eighth time Hindmarsh, 33, has collected the Ken Thornett Medal - a Club record - while fellow retiree and teammate Luke Burt was awarded the Mick Cronin NRL Clubman of the Year prize.

Burt,31, retires as the eighth highest point-scorer in the game's history and second only to Mick Cronin in the Club's history, as well as the Eels' all-time leading try-scorer.

The Clubman of the Year award is presented to a Club player or official who epitomises the spirit and commitment of those who have worn the Blue and Gold in the Club's proud history.

Meanwhile, winger Ken Sio's stunning 2012 season was celebrated when he picked up the Eric Grothe Snr Rookie of the Year award, while Tim Mannah was recognised for his outstanding work in the community with the Ray Price Community Award.

A full list of winners is below:

Bob O'Reilly NSW Cup Players' Player: Jake Mullaney
Geoff Gerard NSW Cup Coaches Award: Danny Howard
Brett Kenny NYC Coaches Award: Kaysa Pritchard
Steve Ella NYC Players' Player: Frazer Masinamua
Ray Price Community Award: Tim Mannah
Eric Grothe Snr NRL Rookie of the Year: Ken Sio
Mick Cronin NRL Clubman of the Year: Luke Burt
Jack Gibson NRL Coaches Award: Nathan Hindmarsh
Ken Thornett Medal - NRL Player of the Year: Nathan Hindmarsh

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