Earlier in the year, many feared Kalyn Ponga would be lost to rugby league, such was his issues with concussion.
However, after travelling to Canada for specialist treatment, Ponga came back and was raring to go.
A shift back to fullback proved monumental for the star and the club, with the Knights pushing on to a fifth placed finish.
Now the Origin representative has finished the year with the NRL’s top honour.
“Pretty crazy feeling standing up here in front of so much talent, there’s so much talent in this league and to be standing in front of you, I feel honoured, humbled and very lucky,” he said.
“I have a lot of people to thank, my family, the coaching staff and my teammates, 100 per cent without you guys, this isn’t possible and the way I felt and the way I played this year isn’t possible without your support, love and belief in me.”
Ponga went on to reveal he made an honest admission with himself overseas.
“I had an early season holiday, and while I was over there I decided I wanted to stop letting people down and start making people proud. I think I came back and did that, what a year,” he said.