Announced on grand final day, the Colts (under 19s) award came after a breakout season for the youthful forward.

It came after Nik was named representative player of the tournament for the Mid North Coast representative Colts side, which competed at the country rugby championships earlier this year.

The nimble-footed backrower also claimed the prestigious best and fairest award for the Manning River Ratz this year. The best and fairest award is voted for on a week-to-week basis and is as good of an indication as any of a strong season.

Nik’s efforts have earned him the Manning River Times-Iguana sportstar of the week award, complete with a $50 open order at Iguana.

While most at home playing flanker, the tyro also spent time this year at hooker at both club and representative level, as well as deputising at number eight. While not shirking his role at the breakdown, Mylonas also has a turn of pace that yielded 10 tries for the Ratz this year.

This year was already Nik’s third season in open grade rugby, at the tender age of 18.

He first began playing for the Ratz at age 16, but agreed that this season had been his best yet. 

“I was just a bit older and a bit bigger,” he said. 

Playing alongside friends helped too, he reasoned.

“I had a couple of friends from school come and play with the Ratz this year, which I really enjoyed.” 

Nik’s father, Chris, was a long time Old Bar Clams rugby player and a founding team member of the Manning River Ratz. 

It was from him that Nik believes he inherited his passion for rugby. 

A desire to test himself in a stronger competition will likely see Nik travel to play in the Newcastle Hunter competition next year.

He admits there are some nerves about the move.

“I’ve never played at any other club except the Ratz,” he said. 

“You’ve got to work for your spot down there because there’s a lot of other players trying to get your position, so I’m hoping it’ll make me a better player.”