Retiring skipper Darren Lockyer signed off in style after a record 355 NRL games for Brisbane, carrying off his third player of the year award on Friday night.
Lockyer (101 votes) edged out lock Corey Parker (98 votes) to add the club's 2011 highest individual honour to his wins in 2002 and 2003.
"I'm pretty blown away that I'm up to collect this award," said Lockyer, after earlier receiving a standing ovation after thanking the club and his family for their support during his 17 seasons with the Broncos.
"I've said it before, but it's been a privilege to play for this club," the champion five-eighth told several hundred guests at Brisbane's end-of-season awards ball.
"This is special. I didn't expect it when I came here tonight.
"It's been an easy thing to do, turn up at Broncos training and do my job.
"Knowing it was my last year, I gave it everything I had.
"After 355 games I leave with a lot less hair, a new voice, a few different characters and the odd titanium plate here and there.
"I've made so many friendships, a lot of great memories and not one single regret.
"Thank you, it's been the ride of my life."
It was a huge night for Lockyer's parents Dave and Sharon with Lockyer's younger brother, Russell, also named Carina's player of the year.
Lockyer credited new coach Anthony Griffin, who said the doors had been opened to future success, with helping him find and extra 10 per cent to his game.
"I thoroughly enjoyed 2011, it was a great year," said Lockyer, whose last play for the club was kicking the match-winning field goal in golden point against former coach Wayne Bennett's St George Illawarra at Lang Park last month.
In any other year, Parker would have waltzed away with the club's Player of the Year award after finishing almost 50 points clear of half-back Peter Wallace.
But Parker, who at 29 will make his debut for Australia in the upcoming Four Nations in the UK, was recognised for his wonderful season.
Parker, who was recalled to Queensland's State of Origin side this year, was named Brisbane's best forward and the club's players' player.
In Townsville, Ashley Graham was rewarded for his best season in the NRL by winning the Paul Bowman Medal for the North Queensland player of the year.
Graham polled 26 votes, four ahead of runner-up Johnathan Thurston, with Matthew Scott and James Tamou sharing third on 22.
AAP
Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, brisbane-4000, qld, australia First posted October 08, 2011 09:36:42
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