Luke Berkrey come out on top in Gundagai’s best and fairest awards on Saturday night, but he is still tipping Tigers captain-coach James Smart to get the better of him in the Weissel Medal count.
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The Gundagai pair are the hot favourites to take out the Group Nine best and fairest award next month.
Both were three points behind Young halfback Ray Talimalie, who missed the last four weeks through suspension, when the last round of votes were revealed.
In his first season with Gundagai, Berkrey was happy with how his season unfolded.
“It was nice to get obviously, but a grand final would have been nicer,” Berkrey said.
“You don’t play the game for awards but they are nice to get when you get them.”
The 24-year-old expects a different story at the Group’s awards.
“I’d say Smarty is a red hot favourite for that,” Berkrey said. “He had a great year week in, week out and I think he will get it.
“Hopefully it is a draw though, that would work out perfect.”
The last time the Weissel Medal was shared it was by Kangaroos teammates Baden Power and Adam McCullum in 2010.
While he’s yet to lock in a new deal with the club, Berkrey expects to remain a Tiger and has no plans on returning to hometown club Cootamundra.
He also took out the players player award.
As in the past two years, Group Nine’s awards will be at Murrumbidgee Turf Club to coincide with the Men of League race day.
This year’s function will be held on October 21.
All clubs have been asked to nominate a volunteer who will be recognized for the contribution to rugby league and be a guest on the day.
