Hard-working Eels lock Nathan Brown has proven a hit at the club's end-of-season awards, taking home the player of the year and fans' player of the year gongs.
The annual Ken Thornett Medal night saw Brown – one of the buys of the season right across the NRL – awarded the overall Ken Thornett Medal for Parramatta NRL player of the season, as well as the Blue and Gold Army Members' Player of the Year award, voted by fans.
Brown leads the club for tackles (760 – more than 100 clear of next best Dan Alvaro's 635) in 2017. He also has the most offloads (41 – next best Manu Ma'u with 27) and his 3,394 metres at 154 per game are the most by average of any Eels player.
Ball-playing fullback Clint Gutherson claimed the Jack Gibson NRL Coaches' Award for his strong performances throughout 2017 prior to an unfortunate season-ending ACL injury.
Retiring Eels Jeff Robson and Isaac De Gois were paid tribute for their priceless contribution to the blue and gold throughout their playing careers.
Parramatta Eels chaplain George Dansey was named the recipient of the Michael Cronin Club Person of the Year Award for his strong support to the team during 2017.
Junior League Administrator Jan Bryen and Football Operations assistant Denis Anderson were announced as recipients of Life Membership of the Parramatta Eels for their multi-decade service to the Club and the Eels Community. Bryen was profiled by NRL.com during Women In League Round for her tireless contributions to junior football.
Parramatta Eels 2017 Award Winners
Ken Thornett Medal for NRL Player of the Year – Nathan Brown
Jack Gibson NRL Coaches' Award – Clint Gutherson
Ray Price NRL Community Award – Darren Deitz, Try Time Rugby League
Blue and Gold Army Members' Player of the Year – Nathan Brown
Brett Kenny NYC Coaches' Award – Greg Leleisiuao
Steven Ella NYC Player of the Year Award – Reed Mahoney
Geoff Gerard NSW Cup Coaches' Award – George Jennings
Bob O'Reilly NSW Cup Player of the Year Award - Marata Niukore
Michael Cronin Club Person of the Year – Rev George Dansey