Cowra cricketing star Daniel Hughes has capped off a fantastic summer with the bat by taking home the state's highest honour.
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Hughes was given his second Steve Waugh Medal on Saturday, having receiving his first in the 2017/18 season.
Hughes said it was a huge honour to receive the award for a second time.
"Thank you to the boys for the votes, it's always nice to get the acknowledgment of your teammates, so thank you guys," he said.
"The whole office, well done on a great season, you guys work behind the scenes very hard and it doesn't go unseen by the players, so well done.
"The coaching staff, you guys work tirelessly around the clock to get us prepared to perform so thank you so much for your efforts this year," he said.
Hughes was pivotal to the Blues claiming their 47th Sheffield Shield title, which was awarded to NSW after nine rounds when the competition was cancelled due to coronavirus health concerns.
Hughes made 665 Shield runs at 44.3, with his highest score of 136 made against South Australia at Bankstown Oval - one of two centuries for that match.
"The entire squad well done on winning a 47th shield title, whether you played or not, everyone played a role in getting us there," he said.
"Whether you played club cricket or Second 11, everyone put in some really great performances this year so well done to everyone.
"I know last year hurt, we lost the final but coming back in June (2019) everyone worked really hard to get fit and that really held us in good stead for a long season.
It's always nice to get the acknowledgment of your teammates
- Daniel Hughes
"We played nine games and won six of them so I think it was a pretty dominant display and there were some incredible performances individually across the board by everyone.
"Great year boys, I had lots of fun, I really enjoyed this year and I cant wait to go again next year," he said.
The Blues and Sydney Sixers opener also claimed the NSW Blues Marsh One-Day Cup Player of the Season award.
He was the leading run-scorer in the Marsh One-Day Cup with 440 runs at an average of 73.33, including two centuries and a highest score of 152.
"One day comp this year didn't really go to plan, but we got the opportunity to debut a lot of cricketers this year," he said.
"That's exciting and I'm really looking forward to how we go over the next few years in that competition.
"To all the teams at Cricket NSW and everyone that's won an award this year, well done on a great year," he said.
