The young butcher also celebrated his season with some major trophies at last Saturday night’s Gunnedah Rugby League Football Club presentation night at the Gunnedah Services and Bowling Club.

Former representative prop Brian “Boonga” Donnelly, Aaron’s uncle, was the special guest on a big night to celebrate a good year for the club, said retiring president Ray McCoy.

“It was a great night,” McCoy told The Leader.

“So impressive to see all the young guys and girls dress up to the nines.

“We have a great bunch of kids. Might not have done so well on the field but we are flying off it.

“‘It was great to have Boonga back as special guest and for Aaron (son of former coach and premiership winning winger Phillip “Muscles” Donnelly) to win the big awards.”

Aaron Donnelly won a berth in the Group 4 and Northern Tigers teams and won a number of awards including best club backline player, club rep player of the year, club player of the year and Kevin “Killer” McCoy first grade player of the year.

McCoy, who said he has retired as club president, said there were a number of talented young players on the way up.

He pointed to the likes of Quiet Acheiver Award winner Daniel Head, Ethan Stevens Rising Star Award winner, Lachlan King, and Junior Rep of the Year, Jordan Mulherin. Talented Mulherin shared that award with Lachlan King and Luke Michael.

Most improved Bulldog was Khobi Devine while Danny Read’s first season earned him a best club forward award with the hard working Michael Cobb winning the first grade players’ player award.

Five-eighth Shannon Swan was best first grade back and Farran Lamb highest pointscorer.