Akuila Uate was named the Dally M winger of the year last night as Australia’s highest rugby league awards were given to deserving players.

Uate who plays for Newcastle Knights has scored 20 tries this season despite his team not making it into the top eight of the NRL.

Uate has been described as one of the strongest ball runners in the game.

Former New South Wales coach Ricky Stuart says Uate will get into dummy-half often and his team relies on him to get their sets off to a good start.

Meanwhile Canterbury Bulldogs Ben Barba was chosen as the Dally M player of the year.

The same award which was bestowed upon Jarryd Hayne two years ago.