When Roger Tuivasa-Sheck became the first New Zealand Warrior to win the coveted Dally M Medal, his international teammates performed a haka in his honour.
And while the moment was touching for those in the room, the Prime Minister’s elite security detail sprung into action, reportedly believing Scott Morrison and the guests were under siege.
Mr Morrison, who presented the award, was on the stage with Tuivasa-Sheck as Issac Luke, Jazz Tevaga, Jordan Rapana and Jamayne Isaako rose from their seats and took off their suit jackets to perform the Maori ceremonial dance.
When Luke made his first war cry, the Daily Telegraph reported a floor manager hit the deck, fearing a terror attack.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison awarding Roger Tuivasa-Sheck the 2018 Dally M Medal on Wednesday night
The haka (pictured) was a fitting tribute for the first ever New Zealand Warriors player to win the Dally M Medal
The entire security detail sprung into action, before realising the four men were celebrating the achievements of their teammate, colleague and friend, with the powerful display of respect almost bringing Tuivasa-Sheck to tears.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet for comment.
Tuivasa-Sheck polled 29 votes to win the league’s player-of-the-season award by two points from Newcastle’s Kalyn Ponga, with Cronulla’s Valentine Holmes in third.
‘Wow, this is crazy,’ he said as he accepted the award.
‘I remember the first time I came to these awards in 2013 and Cooper Cronk won the Dally M Award and I was just sitting there thinking it would be a dream to win this award and not knowing if the day would ever come.’
2018 Dally M Medal winner Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (pictured) is the first player from the New Zealand Warriors to win the award
Tuivasa-Sheck’s New Zealand Kiwis teammates, led by Issac Luke (right), paid tribute by performing the haka in the middle of the ballroom, bringing him to tears
Tuivasa-Sheck was touched by his teammates’ tribute to him after he won the coveted award
His father, Johnny Tuivasa, accompanied his son to the awards night and watched on proudly as he was recognised for his special talents.
‘Feeling truly blessed right now to be up here holding this trophy and wearing this medal. There are so many people I would like to thank,’ the 25-year-old said.
‘My family, mum and dad, you guys have been awesome. Constant love and support, always keeping me in your prayers, keeping me grounded which is what is most important.’
His fiancee, Ashley Walker, was unable to make it to the event, but Tuivasa-Sheck made sure she was thanked.
‘A big thanks to my partner Ashley, this one’s for you babe. All the hard work you do behind doors and all the hard work you put in so I can go away and train,’ he said.
Tuivasa-Sheck was emotional and humble in his acceptance speech, thanking his family, team and fiancee for their continued support
A touching moment between teammates after an emotional haka was given in tribute to the 2018 Dally M Medal winner Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (pictured right)
He ended his speech by humbly wishing all players good luck in the Grand Final weekend ahead.
In a sign of the changing times, none of the top five – which also included Luke Brooks and Mitchell Pearce – have previously polled in the top five positions at the Dally Ms during their career.
The Warriors fullback trailed by one vote with a round to go, but polled three points in the final round against Canberra while Ponga remained on the sideline injured.
Prime Minister’s elite security detail sprung into action, believing newly appointed Scott Morrison and the patrons were under siege when a group of players honoured Tuivasa-Sheck with the haka
In doing so, he became the first fullback to win the award since Ben Barba in 2012, as he averaged 167 metres a match and busted through a total of 92 tackles.
The Dally M Medal was first introduced in 1980 and is awarded each year to the player who is judged to be the ‘Player of the Year’.
The award was created by News Limited as a way to recognise the most outstanding player in the NRL competition every year.
It was named after a legend of the sport, Herbert ‘Dally’ Messenger, who was a crucial figure in the establishment of rugby league in Australia, captaining the Eastern Suburbs, runners-up in the inaugural Sydney Rugby League competition.
He played 163 first class games and scored 73 tries and passed away in Gunnedah, NSW in 1959.