Gateshead Thunder prop Chris Parker has been named the 2009-2010 Ray Morris Medal winner by the Malta Rugby League (MRL).

The Championship One forward and national team vice-captain played starring roles on and off the field for Malta and beat the largest field of nominees in the history of the award.

Parker was first past the post ahead of the likes of Sharks hooker Dane Snelson, Cardiff Demons centre Paul Bartlett and fellow Malta internationals Brad Clews, Pat Galea, Roderick Attard, Daniel Grima and Charlie Bonanno.

The Ray Morris Medal is awarded to the Maltese Rugby League Player of the Year, in memory of Ray Morris, an Australian Rugby League international who passed away in Malta while travelling to England for the Kangaroo tour of 1933-34.

Speaking from Gateshead, Parker said: “This is an amazing honour. There are so many great people involved with the Malta Rugby League and to be recognised like this is a true honour.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank the players around me in the national team. They have given me so much will to be involved and to the volunteers and directors of the Malta Rugby League.”

MRL president Mark Sultana said Parker’s medal was deserved.

“Congratulations goes to Chris as the commendable recipient of the award this year and to add further credit to his achievement, the nominees for 2009-2010 alone included players from Australia, Wales, Malta and England right through to Super League,” he said.

“The MRL heavily relies on the support of its team and without the likes of players such as Chris and the other award nominees, the MRL would not be in the position that it is, with a respectable reputation across its fellow European Rugby League playing nations.”

The previous medal winners were national team captain Daniel Grima (2008-2009) and Celtic Crusaders playmaker Jarrod Sammut (2007-2008).