SYDNEY - Ben Barba hopes he can carry the buzz of winning his maiden Dally M medal into Friday's NRL qualifying final against Manly.
Barba's untouchable form this season was capped off with an incredible five awards at Tuesday's awards night, including the top gong which was secured after he gained an unassailable lead with two rounds still remaining.
His recognition as the competition's best player was never in doubt with the Canterbury No.1 finishing six points clear of second-placed Matt Bowen with a staggering 32 points.
And after crediting his teammates and coach Des Hasler as the driving force behind his sensational season Barba now wants to repay their faith with a dominant finals series - starting with arch rivals Manly.
"Hopefully I'm still buzzing from this night and I can take that into Friday and use it as a bit of confidence," Barba said.
"It's going to be one hell of a game on Friday. It's a game we're really looking forward to.
"We've all seen what sort of games Canterbury and Manly play after the last couple we've played.
"I can't stop crediting (my teammates) because they've helped me along the way so much.
"I'd like to hope (I can return the favour). I hope I do.
"Winning this award is going to bring a lot of pressure on me now from other sides, but I'll just put it back to them."