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Lawrie takes home 2023 Dragons Medal

Blake Lawrie was named the 2023 Dragons Medal recipient at the club’s annual presentation night held at the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong on Tuesday evening.

Former Dragons Medal winners Ben Creagh, Jason Nightingale, and Shaun Timmins were in attendance to congratulate Lawrie on his NRL Player of the Year nod.

The 26-year-old also received the Red V Members Player of the Year and the Community Involvement Award which epitomises his impact as a community leader both on and off the field.

Lawrie enjoyed a sensational season for the Dragons having appeared in 22 games and averaged a career-high 135 run metres per game whilst making 680 total tackles at 94 per cent efficiency.

Having proven himself as a respected voice amongst the group, Lawrie earnt the first captaincy nod of his career in Round 19 against the Raiders.

Blake Lawrie photographed with the Dragons Medal, the Red V Members Player of the Year Award, and the Community Involvement Award.
Blake Lawrie photographed with the Dragons Medal, the Red V Members Player of the Year Award, and the Community Involvement Award.

Whilst it was Lawrie who took home a few handfuls of silverware, a number of other players were recognised for their standout seasons.

Jack de Belin was awarded the Immortals Trophy for his outstanding commitment, dedication, and attitude in all aspects of his rugby league preparation, training, and performance.

Jack de Belin pictured with the Immortals Trophy.
Jack de Belin pictured with the Immortals Trophy.

The 32-year-old made 16 appearances this season for the Dragons averaging 115 run metres and making 691 tackles at 96 per cent efficiency whilst also earning a captaincy debut in Round 13 against newcomers the Dolphins.

The Geoff Selby Memorial Trophy for NRL Emerging Talent, which honours the former Dragon and Steeler who tragically passed away in 1989, was won by Toby Couchman.

Toby Couchman poses with the Geoff Selby Memorial Trophy.
Toby Couchman poses with the Geoff Selby Memorial Trophy.

A Thirroul Butchers junior, the 19-year-old made his NRL debut in the side’s season opener against the Titans and would go on to play 15 games scoring a pair of tries.

He was joined in the top grade by twin brother Ryan with the duo sharing the field for the first time at NRL level in Round 24 against the Rabbitohs in Cairns.

Alex Lobb was named the NSW Cup Player of the Year whilst Zane Musgrove earnt the NSW Cup Coach’s Award.

Ben Johnson took home the Paul McGregor Trophy for Jersey Flegg Cup Player of the Year whilst Tyrell Fuimaono was awarded the Mark Coyne Trophy for Career Development.

Scott Stewart was named the Club Person of the Year for his role in assisting players’ wellbeing and career advancement.

Ben Hunt and Jack de Belin were both recognised for reaching milestones this season.

Hunt played his 300th NRL game against the Cowboys in Round 11 whilst de Belin notched 200 NRL games - all for the Dragons - against the Warriors in Round 17.

DRAGONS MEDAL RECIPIENTS

1999: Jamie Ainscough

2000: Trent Barrett

2001: Jason Ryles

2002: Shaun Timmins

2003: Ben Hornby

2004: Mathew Head

2005: Luke Bailey

2006: Mark Gasnier & Jason Ryles

2007: Ben Creagh

2008: Jason Ryles

2009: Ben Creagh

2010: Ben Creagh

2011: Jason Nightingale

2012: Brett Morris

2013: Trent Merrin

2014: Ben Creagh

2015: Leeson Ah Mau

2016: Tyson Frizell

2017: Gareth Widdop

2018: Tariq Sims

2019: Cameron McInnes

2020: Cameron McInnes

2021: Ben Hunt

2022: Ben Hunt

2023: Blake Lawrie

Acknowledgement of Country

National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.