The 18-year-old speedster left a lasting impression at the inaugural Cootamundra Nines tournament on Saturday.

Dickson earned sought-after Player of the Tournament honours thanks to his outstanding display for grand final winner Junee.

Tournament organiser Wayne Berkrey hailed Dickson a revelation.

“He was just phenomenal,” Berkrey said.

“He made the big names look like amateurs. After what we saw of him on Saturday, he is definitely one to watch this year.”

While Dickson was the surprise packet of the carnival, Junee lived up to expectations as it cruised to a 24-nil win over Group 20 rival Tullibigeal Lake Cargelligo United in the grand final.

Junee entered the tournament heavily-favoured to take out the fledgling competition after finishing runners-up in the West Wyalong Knockout.

“Junee were very skillful. The nines really suited them,” Berkrey said.

Marring the final minutes of the grand final, a player from losing side Tullibigeal Lake Cargelligo United got physical in a mix of brutality and bad sportsmanship.

Officials stopped the fight and the injured player, saturated in blood and barely conscious, was helped off the field.

Junee pocketed $2000 in prize money and Junee young gun Dickson took home the perpetual trophy for the player of the day.

The Cootamundra Bulldogs copped a bit of lip from Tulli Lakes United players during the third pool match of the day, as Bulldogs new recruit Shannon Rupapere has played against them in previous seasons. Rupapere kept his head held high, and after consistent efforts in attack he picked a gap and scored for the Bulldogs with a glimmer in his eye and the broadest smile of the day.

His joy was short-lived, as Rupapere took the conversion kick the ball passed under the cross-bar, and his rivals laughed loudly at the attempt.

The Bulldogs won all of their pool matches defeating Tulli Lakes United 14-10, Leeton 18-6 and Colleambally 32-0.

By the semi final round the local boys were wrecked from the sheer heat and the intensity of the nine-a-side, nine minute per half games, losing against Yenda 20-12.

Bulldogs coach Aaron Byrne said the team was perhaps too eager in attack. 

“Instead of being a bit more composed and working towards a try we went to score a try off every play,” Byrne said.

“Everyone’s attitude was awesome, they were willing to put in the hard yards and everyone stays positive.”