HIGH-OCTANE Maitland centre Carl Manu became just the fourth player to win the Anderson Medal in consecutive years after he was named the best and fairest in the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union at the Hawthorne Club grand final luncheon at Surf House on Friday.
Manu won the medal playing for The Waratahs last season and joined Robert Scott-Murray (1954-55) and Wallabies Cyril Burke (1950-52) and Steve Merrick (1990-92) as back to back winners.
Hamilton’s Scott Coleman was named coach of the year despite only returning mid season.
Nelson Bay were the club of the year.
Manu finished on 15 points to win by two from teammate Travis Brooke.
Maitland breakaway Nick Davidson and Hamilton hooker Chris Ale, who missed the last five rounds with a broken arm, were next on 11 points.
Hamilton were awarded the Kia Toa Shield as the club with the most medal points.
