WHEN three Englishmen approached the Queanbeyan Roos to play in season 2015 captain/coach Aaron Gorrell was excited with the skills the trio would bring, but halfback Jack Miller proved he was more than just a decent pick up when he won the Les McIntryre Medal on Monday night.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In one of the closest counts the 20-year-old polled three votes in the Roos' final round victory over the Rams to secure 13 points- narrowly edging out Gungahlin's Dwayne Connors, Blues' Marc Herbert, Woden Valley's Brad Martin, West Belconnen's Ryan McQueen and Goulburn's Ben Picker (all 10 votes).
The result ensures the big gong stays at the Roos on the back of Jordan Macey's 24-point domination in last year's count.
Roos general manager Leigh Kiely said the club has had a great deal of success in bringing English imports to the maroon and white since 2011, but Miller has excelled.
"Everyone's over the moon, especially for Jack. He's put in the effort and learnt from Gorrell and he's improved throughout the year," he said.
"He's got a good kicking game, he's very tough defensively and he can kick goals backwards with his eyes closed.
"For Jordan Macey to win [the McIntyre Medal] last year and Jack this year is incredible for the club."
Miller, a former Huddersfield Giants product also finished as the second highest point scorer in the league with 113, 41 points behind the Blues' Craig Wilkinson.
Blues centre Tom Ruediger brought home the top try scorer award with 17, West Belconnen's Justin Giteau won coach of the year and Martin Jones was awarded the most outstanding referee- back-to-back awards for the trio.
The Don Elphick Medal for rookie of the year was awarded to Goulburn's Lachlan Croker after a standout season for the Raiders under 20s competition.
Bungendore Tigerettes' Teagan Pateman cleaned up the Women's League Tag competition, coming away with the Leedon Shield (best and fairest player), top point and try scorer awards.
