Bulldogs and NSW Origin star David Klemmer wins Brad Fittler Medal

ON Monday night, Bulldogs and Blues star David Klemmer became the first Brad Fittler Medal winner to start all three Origin games off the bench.

David Klemmer at the Brad Fittler Medal night at The Star. Picture: Toby Zerna

DAVID Klemmer became the first Brad Fittler Medal winner to start all three Origin games off the bench.

The NSW super sub beat a hot field for the state’s top gong, including James Tedesco, Jake Trbojevic and last year’s winner and Canterbury teammate, Josh Jackson.

Klemmer was one of the few NSW’s players who lost no admirers after the Origin III Suncorp Stadium blowout loss when he ran for 166m.

He racked up 194m in game one, an enormous feat considering he did not start, and 164m in the heartbreaking game two loss in Sydney.

David Klemmer at the Brad Fittler Medal night at The Star. Picture: Toby Zerna

While Klemmer’s Bulldogs failed to make the finals, life could not be much better for the 23-year-old who will next year be joined by best mate and Blues prop Aaron Woods.

Klemmer said he was honoured to receive the award named after one of his rivals.

Only Dane Gagai, who was crowned the Origin player of the series, and Tedesco ran for more metres than Klemmer during the series.

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“Growing up Brad Fittler was one of my idols and to accept the award named after him is a special moment,” Klemmer said.

“I wouldn’t have received this award without the players around me. As a rugby league player, you don’t necessarily think about individual honours but it’s nice to be recognised for my performance.”

The 23-year-old polled the highest amount of votes from his teammates, as well as Daley — who was holidaying in Hawaii- and the coaching staff. Previous winners include Jackson (2016), Josh Dugan (2015), Jarryd Hayne (2014), Paul Gallen (2011) and Danny Buderus (2008).

Trbojevic claimed The Daily Telegraph’s People’s Choice Award and the True Blue Award for his contribution off the interchange bench.

Jake Trbojevic won the People’s Choice Award. (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

The Tele’s People’s Choice Award is chosen by Blues supporters, while the True Blue Award recognises the player who displays qualities upon which the team culture is built.

Another Sea Eagles player, Joshua Schuster, took out the under-16s NSW player of the year, Zac Lomax (St George Illawarra) claimed the under-18s award, while Melbourne’s Curtis Scott was named the under-20s NSW State Player of the Year.

North Newcastle’s Caitlin Moran was the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership Player of the Year.