Heta rises above all again

ROUNDING off a stunning game becoming Group Nine premiers for the third consecutive time, Albury five-eighth Willie Heta was humbled as he was announced as the winner of the John Hill Medal for the most outstanding player in the grand final yesterday.

Shining among the two best teams of the season, the lightning playmaker was instrumental in another Thunder premiership at Equex Centre yesterday.

Gleaming with pride after the game, Heta admitted he was astounded to hear his name called as the man of the match for the second time.

Heta won the medal when the Thunder claimed its maiden premiership in 2012 and he was back on the podium following the record-breaking grand final victory.

With so much individual success, the softly spoken New Zealander didn't want the accolades to rest solely on his shoulders.

"I really don't like taking these awards as its a team effort and a team game and I give all the credit to my team," Heta said.

"We done that all throughout the year and its just a privilege and an honour to win this award."

The five-eighth was brilliant in attack, setting up Ben Jeffery's opening try with a inside pass and creating opportunity after opportunity for the Thunder.

But it wasn't just in attack that Heta dominated, his defensive effort on Bulls dangerman Peter Little was outstanding.

Heta was a thorn in the side of Little, who looked the only Southcity player capable of creating inroads into the wall-like defence of the Thunder.

"Pete is the top tryscorer of the season and it was good to keep him quiet," Heta said.

"He scored their only points and we knew we had to pick our game up on him.

"He's been great all season and we definitely worked hard on that."

With a third premiership in three seasons with Albury, the five-eighth thought yesterday's win was the best.

"It feels like it gets better every time," he said.

"They say its third time lucky but three in a row is just that much better."