Three Sydney Roosters have claimed awards at the 2021 Dally M Awards Night, here is a recap of the award winners from the night.
Dally M Rookie of the Year: Sam Walker
Sam Walker has been awarded the 2021 Dally M Rookie of the Year, becoming the first Rooster to win the award since Jeff Masterman in 1981.
Sydney Roosters Head Coach Trent Robinson expressed his pride in the 19-year-old halfback, who was also named the Club's Harry Phipps Rising Star Award at the 2021 Jack Gibson Medal Awards Night as well as the Ashton-Collier Medallist as man of the match in the side's Anzac Day Cup victory.
"He played 24 games, we lost Luke Keary and he's come in and won many games for us," Robinson said.
"That was the test - he didn't have to play every minute but he learned on the run.
"He handled the pressure moments like a veteran. It's been a great year."
Sam Walker Claims 2021 Dally M Rookie of the Year Award
Walker gave credit to the Club, his teammates and Robinson upon accepting the award.
"I'd just like to thank the Sydney Roosters," Walker stated.
"Coming into the year not knowing what I was going to do, the belief that was instilled into me from the Club, Robbo and the players was huge.
"They allowed me to go out there and play my game. I wouldn't be where I am without the Club and everything they've done for me."
Dally M Captain of the Year: James Tedesco
In his first year as captain, James Tedesco was thrusted into the role following the mid-season retirements of Boyd Cordner and Jake Friend, where he led the side to victory on numerous occasions through a turbulent but memorable season for the Club.
The 2019 Dally M Medallist gave tribute to his teammates, Head Coach Trent Robinson as well as Cordner, who joined the squad in their Queensland hub through the season.
"I want to thank my team. It was a crazy year for us; a lot of setbacks and disappointments but I couldn't be prouder to lead the Club," Tedesco said.
"It was a difficult year for us and I know it ended in a disappointing way; but the fight that we showed week-in-week-out, there were so many young guys getting better and better every week.
"I want to thank Robbo for his leadership. He was our true leader and he guided me through it all. To Boyd Cordner: he came up to the Sunshine Coast with us and I leaned on him during important times.
"He was a great leader and just having him around, his presence was awesome for us all year."
Tedesco Named 2021 Dally M Captain of the Year
Provan-Summons Award: Josh Morris
Josh Morris has taken home the Provan-Summons Award after consoling brother Brett in the Newcastle changerooms in Round 8 after sustaining an ACL injury, which would lead to his retirement mid-season.
Head Coach Trent Robinson spoke on behalf of the Morris brothers and explained the feeling in the change rooms after the match.
"It was really hard and really special at the same time," Robinson said.
"To get the closeness you need in a team you need those close intimate moments. People understand we show those moments with fans and supporters but there's no thought about cameras - it was just about Brett.
"It was such a flattening moment but also we just sat around and had a beer and celebrated and thanked him."
