Respected prop Todd Payten has taken home the Wests Tigers NRL Community Award for 2008.

Payten received his award at the Wests Tigers Grand Final luncheon at Le Montage, Leichhardt, from the club's first lifetime member in David McArdle - a young man who has overcome tremendous adversity since going to the aid of a woman trapped in her vehicle on the M4 Motorway in March 2006.

David had his legs pinned after two cars and a truck collided into the woman's vehicle. Close to four months later, David left Westmead Hospital with his legs amputated below the knees.

He has since presented the Wests Tigers Community Award for the past two years to winners Chris Heighington (2006) and Dene Halatau (2007).

"Todd not only shows tremendous leadership qualities on the field but also off it," said Wests Tigers Media Officer Wayne Cousins.

"He displays a great compassion for the many sick fans that are invited to attend Wests Tigers training at Concord Oval and is often the first player to put his hand up to go out and spend time with them.

"I know Todd developed a close bond with young supporter Brett Allen, who passed away recently at the age of 17 from leukemia. Todd attended his funeral as a mark of respect for his friend, which was greatly appreciated by the family.

"When Todd was out for many weeks with a hamstring injury, he was always available to assist the club with its community and club promotions, often travelling some distance to attend.

"He never complained and always showed a genuine interest in what he was doing. We have always received positive feedback about Todd's work and his politeness.

"It was a hard choice as to who would receive the community award as we are very fortunate at Wests Tigers to have some wonderful, young men in Todd, Chris Heighington, Dene Halatau, John Morris, Robbie Farah, Dean Collis, Liam Fulton, Corey Payne and Shannon McDonnell. They all do some great community work for us."

Meanwhile, Wests Tigers have proudly acknowledged John Morris as its finalist for the prestigious NRL Ken Stephens Award for 2008.

"John has been a tremendous ambassador for Wests Tigers and it was his work in raising awareness of Motor Neurone Disease that saw him become a respected figure within the club and the community," Cousins said.

"John lost his father to motor neurone disease in 2002 after being diagnosed five years earlier. Since his father's death, John has been very active in using his profile as a respected NRL player to help raise awareness of MND. He also became an ambassador for the Motor Neurone Disease Association of NSW.

"John attended the association's golf day, went to the launch of Motor Neurone Disease Week, and later presented them with a cheque for $10,000 as proceeds of a Motor Neurone find-raising dinner held at Balmain Leagues Club

"I know everyone at Wests Tigers congratulates John on his work and wish him all the best for the Ken Stephens Award."

In being nominated as a finalist for the Ken Stephens Award, Telstra presented John with a brand, new Nokia 6120 mobile phone.