Last night's glittering end of season awards ceremony saw the New Zealander walk away with two awards
Following yesterday’s bonus point win over Edinburgh, the Blues held their annual awards ceremony and the popular Kiwi second row / backrow forward collected the award for the Players of the Year, as voted for by Cardiff Blues supporters and the Players’ Player of the Year award, voted for by his fellow team mates.
Speaking at the ceremony Paterson said:
“It’s very humbling for me.”
“It’s been a great year for me personally on the field getting those string of games together under my belt at the beginning of the season was just what I needed and I’ve been enjoying my rugby.”
“I can’t ask for much more.”
“I would like to thank all the supporters who voted for me and for welcoming me to Cardiff since I arrived.”
“It’s a huge honour, as is being voted for by my team mates.”
“Nobody can do it by themselves and I think there are a few boys who could have picked up this award.”
Earlier in the evening awards were presented to Matthew Screech for the Academy Player of the Year, sponsored by Wessex Garages. The second row forward helped Wales to third place in the 2012 under 20 Six Nations having made his Blues debut coming off the bench against Newcastle in the LV=Cup.
Josh Navidi picked up Most Promising Player of the Year sponsored by DS Smith Recycling. The openside flanker has had an outstanding season for the Blues, taking his chances well, with a stand out performance against the Ospreys at the start of 2012.
The full shortlist for the 2011/12 awards reads:
Most Promising Player of the Year Sponsored by DS Smith Recycling
Harry Robinson
Cory Hill
Lewis Jones
Josh Navidi (Winner)
Academy Player of the Year Sponsored by Wessex
Matthew Screech (Winner)
Tom Williams
Will Griff John
Ellis Jenkins
Players’ Player of the Year Sponsored by Heineken UK
Alex Cuthbert
Dafydd Hewitt
Michael Paterson (winner)
Casey Laulala
Player of the Year Sponsored by EADS
Alex Cuthbert
Leigh Halfpenny
Michael Paterson (winner)
Casey Laulala