Jess Sergis has praised her Dragons team mates after receiving NRLW's most prestigious individual honour on Wednesday night.
The Dragons centre was named the Dally M Female Player of the Year at NRL's night of nights at Hodern Pavilion.
Sergis, 22, is the second NRLW player to receive the honour after Brittany Breayley (Brisbane Broncos) won the medal last year.
Sergis told the Mercury that she was "still buzzing" after taking out the medal and it was great reward for the whole team.
"I did not expect it at all," she said. "It's massive, not just for me but for my team mates as well.
"I wouldn't be standing on that stage last night if it wasn't for them. I've played my best footy here, we've bonded so well."
In her medal acceptance speech, Sergis said she remained focused on this weekend's grand final against Brisbane.
"We've worked so hard to get into that grand final this Sunday," she said. "We've got one more week together and one more game together. I can't wait to get that premiership."
I wouldn't be standing on that stage if it wasn't for my team mates.
- Jess Sergis
Sergis had represented the Jillaroos and played State of Origin when she signed for the Dragons last year.
She made her NRLW debut after a frustrating run with injuries, but has gone to a new level in 2019.
Sergis played alongside Kezie Apps for Helensburgh in the Illawarra league, scoring 32 tries in 10 games, and was part of NSW's winning Origin side.
She then scored three tries and made 21 tackle breaks during the NRLW season and was a key factor in the Dragons' push towards the title.
Sergis' standout performance came last week when she scored two tries to guide her side to a 24-16 win over the Roosters to book a spot on grand final day.
"To play this sport, you need your body and I took that for granted last year," Sergis said.
"My goal coming in this year was to look after myself and it had paid off for me."
Sergis thanked her family and her partner, Dragons NRL player Zac Lomax for their ongoing support.
"They've supported me the whole way and I love them lots," she said.
Dragons NRLW coach Daniel Lacey said Sergis had been in great form this season and deserved the medal.
"I'm really happy for Jess and it's given us a boost for this weekend," he said.
"She's a really balanced athlete and really strong, but she's also got that mongrel in her that's hard to contain.
"I'm really happy that she's on our team and not the opposition."
Joshua Bartlett
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
