Around 150 players, coaches and family members attended the awards ceremony which recognised the standout sportsmen from the season. 

With the function room decorated in the Magpies signature black and white, coach of the club’s under 18s side Cameron Greenhalgh said the atmosphere was lively.

“It was a good night, there was a good crowd and there was a great buzz about the place,” he said. 

Awards were given to players in each of the three grades and Greenhalgh said while the judging was difficult, those who were successful were highly deserving of their awards. 

“From the juniors point of view it was pretty tough but we thought the guys who got it were deserving,” he said.

“Across all the grades, you couldn’t deny the fellas the awards they got.”

In the first grade presentation, Ben Robinson won the top honour, taking home the Mick Newson trophy for best and fairest.

“There were plenty of other blokes that could have taken it out, so it was a big honour,” Robinson said. 

The forward also won the award for most tries.

In the major awards, junior half back Nick Greenhalgh won most outstanding club player.

“It was a big honour for me,” Nick said. 

“Especially when I think of all the great players who have got it before me.”

This was the third major award Nick has won this season, being recognised as man of the match at the Magpies victorious under 18s grand final, as well as group 11 player of the year. 

Next year Nick will go to Penrith to play for the Panther’s under 20s Holden Cup squad. 

First grade: Best forward – Zac Merritt, best back – Tim Ashcroft, coach’s award – Troy Hodges, manager’s award – Brodie Hodges, most tries – Ben Robinson, rookie of the year – Tas Spackman, most dedicated – Pat Rudd, best and fairest – Ben Robinson.

Reserve Grade: Best forward - Scott Grogan, best back - Jordan Hiki, coach’s award - Andrew Burton, manager’s award - Brodie Phillips, most tries – Andrew Grogan, most improved – Dave Bray, most dedicated – Dylan Bray, best new talent – Hayden Brett, best and fairest – Jake Hanley.

Juniors: Best forward – Bailey Hartwig, best back – Mitchell Burke, most improved – Jared Masonwells, manager’s award – Sam Williams, coaches award - Traie Merritt, rookie award – Sam Tyack, most potential – Brad Herbert, most tries – Bailey Hartwig, best and fairest – Hayden Bolam.

Major awards: Most outstanding club player – Nick Greenhalgh, supporter of the year – Kathy Merritt, club person of the year – Bill Bolam, president’s award – Greg Hanns.