Tough second-rower Chris Heighington has taken out the Wests Tigers' player of the year award for the 2008 NRL season.

Heighington, 26, played all 24 matches for the Tigers this year to extend his run of consecutive games for the club to 69.

He also earned his first City Origin and Prime Minister's XIII representative jerseys this season.

"It is a tremendous honour to receive this award," Heighington said in a statement.

"I just try to do my very best each week for the team. It is nice to be acknowledged for my efforts.

"I really love playing at the Wests Tigers and under coach Tim Sheens. It is a terrific club to be at.

"It was disappointing for everyone not to have made the finals again this season after the success of 2005 but I can assure supporters that we will be giving it our all and more to make the playoffs next season."

Sheens said Heighington was a special player.

"Chris was just outstanding in every game this year for us," Sheens said.

"It mirrors his attitude to training. He always gives 120 per cent every time he takes the field, whether it be to play or to train.

"He is a great leader."

Talented back Tim Moltzen was named the Tigers' rookie of the year, while the members' player of the year award was presented to departing captain and fullback Brett Hodgson.

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