The versatility and qualities of Blake Ayshford has seen him named the Wests Tigers Toyota Cup Players' Player of the Year for 2008.

The 20-year-old received his award from Coach Peter Gentle at the Wests Tigers 2008 Grand Final luncheon at Le Montage, Leichhardt, on Friday, October 3, in front of an audience of more than 1000 people.

Ayshford joined the Wests Tigers Toyota Cup squad after a successful
2007 season with the Balmain Ryde Eastwood Tigers in the then Premier League competition.

He finished the year off by touring with the Junior Kangaroos where he was named players' player. He was also 18th man on two occasions for the Wests Tigers NRL team last season.

"In a season where we had many injuries, Blake managed to play every game," Gentle said.

"Blake shared the captaincy on a rotational basis with Wayde Dunley and Tim Moltzen and showed great leadership qualities on and off the field.

"He played in the centres for the majority of the season but also showed his versatility by capably filling in at five-eighth for us."

Gentle said Ayshford will be an even better player in 2009 after earning a contract to train in the Wests Tigers top 25 squad.

"Blake has been rewarded for his efforts and by being a part of the top squad next season, it will allow him to train full-time professionally where he will be able to learn more from senior players such as Todd Payten, Robbie Farah and Benji Marshall.

"Considering Blake has not had a full pre-season in the past due to injuries and recovering from surgery, I think the future looks very bright for him and for the Wests Tigers."