The joint-winners of the 2009 Meninga Medal not only share a first name but a ferocious will to win. Rookie fullback Josh Dugan and forward Josh Miller split the spoils for Raiders player of the year award at the club's presentation ball at the Southern Cross Club in Woden last night.
Renowned for his courage, Miller has frequently pitted his nuggety frame against bigger opponents for the good of the team.
The unfashionable forward inspired the Raiders to victory over the minor premiers St George-Illawarra Dragons at Canberra Stadium in round 23, knocking out former teammate Michael Weyman with a crunching shoulder charge.Dugan still bears the scars of his courage, receiving his award while sporting the black eye he suffered while stopping hulking Brisbane Broncos prop Dave Taylor from scoring in the Raiders' loss on Sunday.
The man-of-the-match performance propelled Dugan to the top of the Meninga Medal tally, on equal points with Miller.The Meninga Medal a 3-2-1 point system is decided by the players voting on their man of the match each week. The winner is determined by whoever polled the most votes at the end of the 26-week NRL season.Dugan became the third player to win the award in his debut NRL season, alongside Ricky Stuart (1988) and Mark McLinden (1998).The 19-year-old said it was a great way to cap the season.
For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times.
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