Bulls star claims top gong
Ord River Bulls halfback Callum Patterson has won the Kimberley Rugby League fairest and best award at the end-of-year presentation on Saturday night.
Patterson, who was a consistent contributor for the Bulls throughout the season, also scored a hat-trick in the Town v Country match as part of Ord Valley Muster festivities in May.
However, his strong year was not enough to help his side to the premiership with the Bulls going down to rivals Kununurra Thunder in the grand final 46-24 last month.
Patterson, originally from Queensland, said he been playing for about seven years, but this was his first full season in the KRL.
"It's a really tight-knit group of guys here. We all hang out and get along," he said.
"The KRL is only a small competition with a couple of teams, but it's run really well and everyone is so passionate.
"We went away to Broome twice this year and that is testament to the KRL, that those sorts of things can get off the ground."
Patterson said he would return next year and hoped to have another good season with the Bulls.
Thunder player Adam Guest was named his team's fairest and best while Ngatoki John was named the Bulls' fairest and best and voted the players' player.
Reigning KRL fairest and best John Booth picked up the highest points scorer award, as well as player of the finals, while up-and-comer Thompson Cross was named rookie of the year.
Best back for the Thunder was Evan Stoddart, while Patterson picked up his second award of the night as the Bulls' best back.
Harry Prior was the Bulls' best forward, while James Kenny was the best Thunder forward.
Matt Lipscombe received the coaches' award, while club volunteer Kate Cooke was awarded club person of the year.
KRL president Matt Young won 2014 Eagle of the year, awarded to the best performer in matches representing the East Kimberley Eagles against Broome.
KRL spokesman Steve Cooke said the presentations capped another great season in Kununurra, with the competition celebrating its 50th game in the final home-and-away fixture.
Earlier this month, KRL sent 10 players to Broome to play an exhibition match as part of the Shinju Matsuri Festival, and played an association game in Broome earlier in the year.
The sport started in Kununurra in 2010, but the first official season wasn't run until 2012.
