Shayne Hayne has today been awarded the Col Pearce Medal as the NRL’s best performed referee for the 2011 Telstra Premiership regular season. Hayne, who also won the award in 2009, becomes the second multiple winner of the Col Peace Medal, joining Tony Archer (2007-08, 2010). In presenting the award, Referees Coaches Stuart Raper and Bill Harrigan today paid tribute to the efforts of all NRL match officials this season. “Shayne has had an outstanding season and it is a credit to his commitment and professionalism that he has won this award in a season when the depth of talent within the refereeing ranks is the strongest it has ever been,” Raper said. “This group has performed exceptionally well throughout the season under enormous pressure each and every week and their performances have risen to new levels throughout the finals series. “I want to thank all the NRL match officials for their dedication and wish those who will officiate the various matches on Grand Final day the best of luck.” In other awards presented today, Adam Devcich – whose outstanding season was rewarded with his appointment to referee this weekend’s match between the Prime Minister’s XIII and Papua New Guinea – was named Rookie of the Year. Gavin Badger was awarded Clubperson of the Year and Dan Eastwood Touch Judge of the Year, while Ben Cummins was recognised by his peers as ‘Officials Official’ of the Year. Phil Haines received the Bill Harrigan Achievement Award for his commitment to training and for his development as one of the NRL’s most improved referees.