Live coverage of the 2018 Dally M awards
NEW Zealand Warrior Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has taken out the 2018 Dally M medal in a thrilling countdown , scraping home over Kalyn Ponga in the final round. He was honoured by fellow NRL stars with an emotional Haka.
ROGER Tuivasa-Sheck's fellow countrymen led an emotional tribute to this year's Dally M winner at the conclusion of the ceremony.
Unprompted and unscripted, Warriors hooker Issac Luke jumped from his chair and broke into a traditional Maori haka in honour of the very first Warrior to win the prestigious award.
He was soon joined by fellow Kiwis Jamayne Isaako, Esan Marsters, and Jordan Rapana as the room came to a standstill.
WATCH THE FULL HAKA IN THE BLOG BELOW
Jazz Tevaga, the interchange player of the year, was up on the stage with Tuivasa-Sheck and other members of the team of the year but left the stage, took off his jacket and joined in with his fellow New Zealanders.
“That’s just crazy. Where I’m from back in New Zealand there is a special moment for me,” Tuivasa-Sheck said.
“Back home when something happens, the haka is performed to bring up a special occasion and just to be receiving on is a big honour.
“To have Bully (Issac Luke) a close friend of mine do it for me and a close group of friends there was truly special for me.”
Broadcaster Fox Sports ensured that they captured the emotion as the event came to an end and praise started flowing on social media.
Tuivasa-Sheck was also crowned fullback of the year for 2018.
He was joined in the 2018 Dally M team of the year by Blake Ferguson (wing), Joseph Leilua (centre), Cameron Munster (five-eighth), Brooks (halfback), Andrew Fifita (prop), Damien Cook(hooker), Josh Jackson (second row), Jason Taumalolo (lock) and Tevaga (interchange).
Re-live all the action with our live blog below.
Originally published as Live coverage of the 2018 Dally M awards