ASICS AMBASSADORS STEAL THE SHOW AT THE 2005 DALLY M AWARDS

National Rugby League players and Asics Ambassadors Nathan Hindmarsh, Tim Smith and Eric Grothe Jnr. were amongst the prize winners at the annual Dally M Awards, held at the Sydney Town Hall.

But it was another Asics athlete, North Queensland Cowboy Johnathan Thurston who stole the show, capturing the Dally M player of the year award. The likeable Queensland playmaker, who also won the award for halfback of the year, polled 32 votes in the race for the Dally M Medal, one more than Newcastle halfback Andrew Johns.

Thurston was presented with the award for the NRL player of the year by Prime Minister John Howard, capping a standout year for the Queensland Origin halfback.

2005 Dally M Award winner, Johnathan Thurston

“I’m in total shock. Considering the players that have won it before me I’m just so happy at the moment. It’s a prestigious award and it’s a big honour to actually win it” a surprised Thurston said afterwards.

Injured Eels stalwart Nathan Hindmarsh took out the Provan Summons award for the fans’ player of the year and was also named second rower of the year, while his team mate Eric Grothe Jnr. captured the prize for winger of the year.

Earlier in the evening, Parramatta No.7 Tim Smith was a runaway winner of the rookie of the year award after a season that has seen the rising star lead Parramatta to the NRL minor premiership.

Asics would like to congratulate Johnathan Thurston, Nathan Hindmarsh, Eric Grothe Jnr. and Tim Smith on their superb performances throughout the 2005 NRL season.