He's watched her remain focused throughout the sporting shutdown. He's watched her improve as a player on the field. And he's watched her dive into charity work off the field.

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That is why he feels she is a deserving winner of the IAS rugby player of the year award.

"She's always at training, she's always willing to put her best foot forward and train hard, her effort's outstanding," Leeder-Smith said.

"She was committed the whole way through the virus period. She's someone that just wants to improve. She wants to get better every time she touches the ball."

The award comes after an eventful year for Tregonning.

The forward earned selection in Illawarra representative sides in both the sevens and XV-a-side formats before the programs were put on hold due to coronavirus.

Given the work Tregonning has put in throughout the year, Leeder-Smith is confident she will be primed for higher honours once NSW Rugby Union finalises the schedule for the upcoming season.

Such honours, he believes, will act as a springboard to even further success.

"She's used this year to make sure she is ready when those programs start up again. She doesn't give up easily.

"She's going to be a very good rep player for Country NSW. From there, who knows, it's hard to know how young girls will develop, but she has the right attitude."