Boorowa Goldies' half-back Brendan McGrath might have achieved some big accolades after a strong year in the Oilsplus South West competition, but he'll happily admit it's the simple things he enjoys most about rugby.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
"[It's] probably just playing footy with my mates, to be honest," McGrath said.
"We're all there to have a bit of fun and enjoy a beer afterwards, have a bit of a laugh, and that's about it really."
But nevertheless, the number nine has enjoyed a banner year with the Goldies, taking out the Oilsplus South West Player of the Year Award, while also being voted as the scrum-half in the People's Choice Central West Team of the Year, which also features players from the Blowes Clothing and Westfund Ferguson Cups.
"Honestly, I was a bit shocked, mate," McGrath said of the South West Player of the Year Award.
"I didn't really expect any awards to come from it; I personally thought it would've went to [a player from] one of the top two teams."
However, his coach, Andrew Corcoran, believes the multiple accolades are just recognition for a player who "hates the limelight".
"His actions speak louder than anything he ever says," Corcoran said.
"He leads from the front, and had the ability to sense if the game was on the line he could really turn it himself and make special things happen.
"When we're under the pump, he'll get us out of trouble and do some really amazing try-saving tackles when he probably shouldn't be anywhere near the play.
"He's a little quiet achiever... he doesn't say much but he just has a heavy influence on the boys by how he's going and the boys just love getting around him."
Corcoran admits his player's quiet demeanour may have also allowed him to slip under the opposition's radar, but doesn't believe this is something that will continue for too much longer.
"No really knew much about him and he could just toil away and cut teams apart," the coach said.
"He might find it a bit more difficult next year when everyone's keeping more of an eye on him."
Nevertheless, McGrath, who expressed plenty of gratitude to coaching staff like Corcoran and Benny Johnson, as well as the wider Goldies playing group and community, said he was already looking forward to next season.
"I'll be there for a while yet... [there's] plenty of footy left in my body."
"We'll have another crack and hopefully we can make the finals again this [coming] year and see what happens."
READ ALSO: