Kerrod Holland’s work ethic and determination has been recognised by coach Matt Lantry who presented the young talent with the 2015 NSW Cup Coaches Award at the Newcastle Knights' Awards Evening on Friday.
Holland joined the NSW Cup Knights at the start of the 2015 season after playing in the local Newcastle competition and quickly impressed with his speed and skill playing in the centres.
He became one of the side’s top try scorers and was later named in the 2015 NSW Cup Team of the Year.
“It means a lot, especially from where I come from,” Holland told Knights TV after being presented the award.
“Matt (Lantry) gave me the opportunity to come train in the summer and I did.
“He said 'just be patient with the opportunities and they will present themselves'.
“You just have to take them.”
Holland played an important part in the NSW Cup Knights’ premiership win and was thrilled to play the NRL State Championship match, the curtain raiser to the NRL grand final at ANZ Stadium.
“It was unreal and something that I’ll never forget being out there on grand final day especially when Newts (Clint Newton) lifted that trophy,” he said.
“It’s something I won’t take for granted and I’d love to do it again, hopefully at a higher level.”
