Browne beat Moss Vale's Elliott Esquillant by one point, polling 22 votes. An electrician from Monday to Friday, Browne's electrifying pace on the rugby league grounds has helped him to get over the line to win the prestigious title.

Many times Browne helps spark his team into action with his blistering pace.

The 20-year-old also took out this year's award of leading first grade pointscorer with 222 points with 26 tries and 59 conversions.

Browne's coach, Jason Hazelton, praised the young fullback.

``It's the work he does behind the scenes that's impressive,'' Hazelton said. ``He's willing to listen and to learn and hopefully he will go on to play at a higher level. I said to him a few years ago that he could be one of the best players in the competition, it just came a bit earlier than I thought.''

Browne has made a smooth transition from under-18s to first grade under the guidance of Hazelton.

``He's probably the most committed player we've got,'' Hazelton said.

``He does extra training, he's got the pace and he can read the game as well.''