Awarded to the premier league grand final’s man of the match, Bryant’s performance in the front-row was reminiscent of the sort of game the late Dave Scott would regularly produce in Group 10.

Never taking a backward step and as physical as anyone on the field, Bryant led the Mudgee side to a 14-10 win, the club’s first title since 2009.

“That’s the way I’ve always done it,” he said when quizzed about his no-holds-barred approach to the game.

“You’ve got to lead from the front when you where the No.10, with the weather conditions it was a forwards game and we had to stamp our authority on them because they’re a good pack.

“We knew it was going to be a forward’s game, and we knew if we didn’t match them we wouldn’t win the game.”

Bryant said he was “honoured” to now be in an elite company in Group 10.

“It was one of the best grand finals I’ve played in, it’s an honour, it’s good for the community.

“Credit to CYMS though, that was an epic grand final.”