Oft-maligned Parramatta halfback Chris Sandow has capped off a memorable career resurrection by being crowned the club’s player of the year at an awards night in Sydney.

Sandow has endured a difficult period since joining the Eels from South Sydney in a big-money move in 2012, criticised at various times for being overpaid, overweight and overrated – but he silenced many doubters with a fine return to form in 2014.

The affable playmaker, who has spent large stints in NSW Cup in the past two seasons, was revitalised under new coach Brad Arthur and became an integral part of the Eels’ attack which nearly carried them to the NRL finals after being last year’s wooden spooners.

Sandow said it was a huge honour to be awarded the Ken Thornett medal, which is voted on by the Eels players.

“I’m very honoured, without the boys I wouldn’t have got this medal,” he said on Tuesday night.

“I want to go out there and play good footy each week, it’s what I thrive on; but knowing that my teammates think of me like that, it’s really good.”

Parramatta co-captain Jarryd Hayne took home the Jack Gibson coaches’ award.