Flashy players often steal the headlines but when a side wins a premiership, it's usually on the back of a team effort and the one per centers being completed by every individual.
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While Josef Barber didn't cross for a length of the field try or produce chip kicks for teammates to score, the hard working forward still had his fingerprints all over the end result.
The 21-year-old was presented the man of the match award for his performance in the Mustangs' 34-24 victory over the Wauchope Blues in the 2019 Group Three Rugby League grand final on Sunday.
Barber worked hard the entire match and his defence around the ruck was instrumental in restricting Wauchope to only 12-points when the momentum was against the Mustangs for the opening 30-minutes.
The hooker and backrower was overwhelmed when his name was called to receive the honour.
"It's unbelievable," Barber told the Argus.
"I have been working hard all year and it's amazing to receive this recognition.
"I just went out there and wanted to try my hardest, play with heart and do what I try and do every week."
It was third time lucky for Barber in grand finals, as he had lost his two previous with the Mustangs in the Under-18.5s grand final in 2016 and in first grade in 2017.
Read more: Mustangs' youngest stars out for redemption
The Kempsey man was relieved to earn redemption.
"This is the best experience ever, it's an incredible feeling," he said.
Barber plays well above his weight division but never takes a backwards step in the middle of the field.
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