NRL rookie Ethan Sanders, named rookie of the year, faces competition from fellow Raider Coby Black after a standout debut performance.
The NRL rookie of the year "couldn't ask for a better coach" than Ricky Stuart as he deals with the weight of the No.7 jersey the Canberra Raiders mentor made famous - but he could have a fight on his hands to keep it.
Because Ethan Sanders claimed the NRL's prestigious rookie of the year award at the Dally M Awards on Wednesday night to set up an intriguing pre-season battle with Coby Black in Canberra.
So if Raiders fans were looking for a silver lining after a tough year, this might be it.
Sanders beat Melbourne forward Cooper Clarke and Gold Coast youngster Oliver Pascoe to the crown - and there is every chance another Raiders halfback could claim the same award next year if Black's NRL debut is anything to go by.