After a breakout season playing with the Newcastle Knights, Tyler Randell claimed the Rookie of the Year Award at the 2015 Knights Awards Evening.
The 23-year-old Knights junior made his debut in Round 25 of the 2014 season and progressed to play 20 NRL games during the 2015 season where he scored four tries.
The emerging hooker was humbled by the award and proud to be acknowledged for his effort and enthusiasm during the year.
“I definitely didn’t expect any awards tonight, so to be named the Rookie of the Year is great,” Randell told Knights TV on Friday.
“There are so many players who made their debuts this year and had good years, so to get an award is always a good feeling.
Randell reflected on his maiden season in the NRL with the most memorable moment coming down to a game when the team dug deep in difficult circumstances.
“Towards the end of the year we beat Melbourne down there and I remember the feeling after the game and how good it felt to beat a quality team like that down there,” he said.
Randell hopes to build on his personal success when the 2016 rolls around and looks forward to the opportunity for the team to make improvements.
“A lot of things are changing with the new coach… and a lot of players are leaving, so it’s going to be a different looking team next year,” he said.
“There’s going to be a lot of change which is exciting but sad at the same time.
“I’m looking forward to getting back into it.”
