Isi Naisarani and Matt Gibbon have been acknowledged for their contribution to the Rebels 2019 campaign, today named as recipients of the 2019 Players' Player and Weary Dunlop awards.
Since joining from the Brumbies at the start of this season, Players' Player Naisarani has made an immediate impact. After thirteen appearances for the Rebels in 2019, the rangy backrower lead the Rebels in total run metres and tackles per game.
“I am incredibly honoured and privileged to have been named the Players’ Player," Naisarani said.
“To be recognised by my team mates is something special and very meaningful.
“Within the group we speak about playing to make Melbourne proud, so I just hope my performances and my effort this year on the field is something that the people of Melbourne can be proud of.
“This clubhouse has a very talented group of players with plenty of experience. It makes me proud to know that I have contributed in a way that my players appreciate.
"I would like to thank my family in Fiji and Brisbane for all of their support. They are my inspiration and have been with me every step of the way on my rugby journey."
Picking up the prestigious Spirit of Weary Dunlop award was another man enjoying his first taste of rugby in Melbourne; Matt Gibbon.The prop played all sixteen games this season after arriving in Melbourne without a full time contract in November.
"It's an incredible feeling to given this honour," explained Gibbon.
"I came to Melbourne on a short term contract at the start of pre-season with the intention of learning as much as I could, but I didn't think I would even still be here when the Super Rugby season started.
"From there, things just snowballed. I was offered a contract before being named on the bench for our Round One, which was just a dream come true.
"In my wildest dreams I never would have believed that I would go on to play every game this year for the Rebels."I'd like to thank the Rebels family and all our fans for making me feel so welcome in Melbourne," Gibbon said.
