It's been quite often said this season that Western Suburbs halfback Luke Walsh is simply a "class above" everyone else in the first grade competition.
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The 2019 Newcastle Rugby League player of the year tally may well be a case in point with Walsh finishing seven clear of his nearest rival to claim the prestigious prize.
Walsh received the individual honour during Wednesday night's presentation at McDonald Jones Stadium.
"He [Walsh] has been the standout, just a class above," Newcastle RL chief executive officer Matt Harris said.
"I can't really remember too many other players coming back and dominating the way he has, especially in that kind of position."
The former Knights and Penrith playmaker ended an 88-game English Super League stint in April last year because of injury.
Walsh then signed with junior club Wests before the June 30 transfer deadline and played the final three games of the 2018 season in a bid to qualify for semis, which the Rosellas uncharacteristically missed.
This campaign, with Walsh's hands on the steering wheel for the entire time, Wests have barely skipped a beat en route to a runaway minor premiership and grand final berth next Sunday (September 22).
When the player of the year points leaderboard went behind closed doors earlier in the season, Walsh was already an out-and-out favourite
At one stage, in round 13, he was 12 points ahead of his closest competitor.
From 15 appearances Walsh eventually accumulated 25 points, featuring multiple man-of-the-match performances.
Wests teammate and 2017 player of the year Ryan Walker was next best with 18 points.
Maitland's Jayden Butterfield (12) was third while Souths' Stephen Widders, Central's Ethan Cook and Kurri's Jarom Haines (11) were tied fourth.
Walsh also collected players' player and leading points scorer (97).
Walker crossed for the most tries (19).
Lakes' John Toleafoa was named rookie of the year.
Women's Blues Tag players' player went to Souths' Amy Waterhouse.
Newcastle representative awards were received by Alex Langbridge (senior Rebels), Lily Goodchild (women's Blues Tag) and Jack Bennett (emerging Rebels).
Outgoing Wests mentor Matt Lantry picked up his third coach of the year gong since 2014.