NSW Country Rugby Union

2011 NSWCRU WILL TANNER WINNER

LENNOX HEAD Trojans centre Sam Stewart has reached the pinnacle of his rugby union career after being named New South Wales Country senior player of the year in a presentation following the Cockatoos game against NSW Subbies at the Sydney Football Stadium on Saturday 21 May.

Stewart received the Will Tanner Plate – a memorial plate named in honour of a former NSW Country prop who died in 1998.

“It's a massive honour and I feel like I've just about ticked every box that I wanted to in my career now,” Stewart said.

“I just missed out on the plate in 2004, so to get it this season and take on a leadership role and the vice-captaincy, really feels like I've come full circle.”

The Cockatoos suffered their third defeat of the 2011 representative season in a bruising 18-16 encounter against NSW Sub Districts.

Despite the disappointing loss Stewart was thrilled to be part of the Cockatoos team with four other players from Far North Coast.

Jeff Wilson, Matt Liddle, Mick Muir (Lennox Head) and Ben Damen (Wollongbar-Alstonville) all performed well.

“It's great to go back to training and have three guys with me who shared the experience.”

Stewart will now attempt to help guide the Trojans to a fourth consecutive grand final.

“I can't wait to get back to Lennox Head and just throw the footy around and have a bit of fun,” he said.

“It's been a long representative season and it will be great to get back in to the local competition.”