Gidley wins Knights' Player of the Year

Star fullback, Kurt Gidley has taken out the top gong at the Newcastle Knights 2008 Awards Presentation, named Player of the Year.

The award caps of an outstanding year for Gidley who was rewarded with World Cup selection this week.

Gidley, who established himself as a regular Test and New South Wales utility in 2008 was also announced Highest Point Scorer and Leading Try Scorer in front of more than 400 people in the Starlight Room at Wests New Lambton.

England-bound Knights Legend, Danny Buderus won the prestigious Players Player Award and dynamic back-rower, Zeb Taia was rewarded for his outstanding form, presented the 2008 Coaches Award.

The most improved Newcastle Knights in 2008 was Junior Sau who won the Jack Newton Rising Star Award.

After playing every game for two seasons, Darwin-raised winger, James McManus is the Clubman of the Year for his outstanding work with the Newcastle Knights / Coal & Allied Community Alliance, Indigenous and Charity work.

The full list of winners across all grades is;

NRL

Highest Point Scorer Kurt Gidley(150 Points) Leading Try Scorer Kurt Gidley (9 Tries) Clubman of the Year James McManus Jack Newton Rising Star Junior Sau Coaches Award Zeb Taia Players Player Danny Buderus Player of the Year Kurt Gidley

NYC

Coaches Award Marty Paulson Players Player Joel Brown Player of the Year Joel Edwards

CENTRAL NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS

Coaches Award Teason Faavele - Eli Players Player Jacob Ling Player of the Year Michael Young