Naufahu Whyte emerged as an alternative Clive Churchill Medal choice after the Roosters edged the Knights 19-18 in Sunday's grand final.
James Tedesco won the award after gaining 388 metres from 28 carries, setting up a try and breaking 12 tackles.
"So proud of this team, what a game," Tedesco said in his victory speech. "Honestly, it felt like we had them on the ropes, but they just kept coming back. There's so many great attacking players and that game could've gone either way."
Whyte made 189 metres in 48 minutes, along with four tackle breaks and a line-break from 17 carries.
Mark Nawaqanitawase also drew support after scoring twice and running for 237 metres.
One social media user argued: "CC Medal judges obviously impressed by Tedesco's run metres stat but that number is a reflection of the dominance of the Roosters pack. Knights were always kicking out of trouble and chasing long so Teddy was running long metres back. That medal belongs to Naufahu Whyte."
The medal completes Tedesco's trophy collection, which includes three premierships, two Dally M medals and a Wally Lewis Medal as State of Origin player of the series. It was his first premiership as Roosters captain.
"I think that was definitely a goal of mine since taking over, I wanted to win a premiership as captain," he said.