Australian Kangaroos player Jarryd Hayne acknowledged his team mates of the 2007 Fiji Bati World Cup team when he scooped the 2009 Fiji National Rugby League Golden Award Noqu Kalou Noqu Vanua Player of the Year.

Hayne, who flew from Australia to attend the annual event, contributed his 2009 success to Jone Wesele, who scooped the FNRL Player of the year and the rest of the team.

“The way I talk to these guys is totally different from how to talk to my other team mates,” he said.

“We share this bond, this Fijian bond that makes everything so easy for everyone. There is no criticism or judgment, just a whole lot of support, understanding and respect.”

Hayne has acknowledged his stint with the Fiji Bati team in his transformation as a player a person but never so much on a persona note.

“They are my brothers, I love them so much and I am honored to be a part of this family,” he said when receiving his award.

Meanwhile in other wins of the night, 2009 Team of the Year went to the Fiji Bati 7s team that scooped gold at the Pacific Mini Games last year in Samoa.

Rookie of the Year went to Nadera Panthers player, Jovilisi Tawake while Coach of the Year went to Semesa Cadrakilagi.

Best Backline and Forward was won by Joe Ravueta of Cowboys and Timoci Yauvoli respectively.

2009 FNRL Awards wins:
U15: Savenaca Vocea (SGS), U16: Filimoni Seru (SGS), U17: Jope Kikau (QVS), U18: Jofiliti Tuitavua, U19: Loreiwaqa Tupou (SGS), Volunteer: Kemueli Musunamasi, Technical Official: Donato Roqica, National Team: Fiji Bati 7s, Team: Cowboys, Rookie: Jovilisi Tawake (Nadera Panthers), Backline: Jo Ravueta (Cowboys), Forward: Timoci Yauvoli, Manager: Mesake Navugona, Coach: Semesa Cadrakilagi, Journalist: Torika Tokalau (Fijilive), Player of the Year: Jone Wesele, Golden Award Star: Jarryd Hayne

Fijilive

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