Blacks president Pat Howard was on hand to collect the prestigious gong, which was given out just before Waratahs duo Israel Folau and Ash Hewson received the state’s best men’s and women’s player prizes respectively. 

“It has taken many years of work to get this award,” Howard told the Newcastle Herald.

“We don’t just treat Maitland rugby as one club [seniors and juniors], but as a family and that’s what helps with our success on and off the park.”

Howard said an increase in player numbers, from under 7s to first XV and female participation, plus fundraising in excess of $40,000 were contributing factors in being selected for the 2018 award. 

Maitland were beaten 20-12 by Hamilton in Saturday’s grand final at No.2 Sportsground. It was the Blacks’ second appearance in the decider since their last title in 1999.

“It was almost the perfect season,” Howard said.

Last week, new Blacks recruit Carl Manu received his second Anderson Medal as Newcastle’s best and fairest player.

Elsewhere at Thursday night’s event in Sydney, Maitland junior president Dan Leadley was named youth volunteer of the year.

Wanderers product and NSW senior squad member Harry Johnson-Holmes collected the Chris Whitaker Aspiring Waratah Medal.

Folau picked up the Matthew Burke Cup after scoring 11 tries in 14 Super Rugby games. He finished on 99 of the players’ player vote, 22 clear of fellow Wallabies representative Michael Hooper.

Hewson led NSW to the inaugural Super W crown earlier this year. 

“Tonight’s about recognising and acknowledging the immense work that’s done across the state at all levels of the game,” NSW Rugby chief Andrew Hore said. 

Meanwhile, Maitland officials will meet with Australian and World Rugby delegates at Marcellin Park on Friday in regards to the Lorn venue being used as a training facility for the 2021 women’s World Cup.