The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles held their annual Junior Representative Awards last night at Club 47, Lottoland.
Head of Football, Bob Fulton, Head Coach Trent Barrett and NRL players, Marty Taupau and Jake and Tom Trbojevic were in attendance to celebrate this special occasion.
Both teams shared successful seasons; with the SG Ball team finishing 9th, while the Harold Matthews team made history by being the first Manly team to contest a Harold Matthews Grand Final since the competition began in 1970. After a well-fought Grand Final, they were beaten in extra time by Newcastle, 26-20.
Sea Eagles juniors Jake and Tom Trbojevic were excited to attend and present awards and support their younger brother Ben.
“It’s really great to be here, I’ve really taken an interest with the juniors this year especially with my brother playing”, Jake said before he reminisced on his junior days.
“I made some great memories and great friends back then. I just really enjoyed the journey, it’s really special looking back on it and it’s a proud part of my life”.
Head Coach Trent Barrett has kept a close eye on the juniors and has great confidence in the junior pathways programme. He applauded both teams’ efforts and revealed to the junior Sea Eagles what it takes to progress in their football careers.
“The one who makes it isn’t necessarily the player with the most talent, it’s the one who is willing to work the hardest and put in the hours to be the best”, Barrett said.
Marty Taupau also presented awards and spoke about his journey from junior reps through to the NRL.
Sea Eagles juniors Jake and Tom Trbojevic were given permission from Blues Coach, Laurie Daley to break Origin camp to attend the awards night.
In recognition of Jakes outstanding career from a local junior through to representing state and country the inaugural junior representative player of the year award has been named in his honour.
“It is a privilege and an honour to have this trophy named after me and I am proud to be a Manly junior. In a fitting end to the evenings proceedings Jake presented the inaugural Jake Trbojevic Junior Representative Player of the Year Award to Harold Matthews captain Joshua Schuster.
2017 Junior Representative Award Winners
2017 Harold Matthews Cup (Under 16's)
Players Player: Alec Tuitavake & Albert Hopoate
Coach's Award: Luke Rouland
Player of the Year: Joshua Schuster
2017 SG Ball Cup (Under 18's)
Players Player: Keith Titmuss
Coach's Award: Finn Heath
Player of the Year: Keith Titmuss
Jake Trbojevic Junior Representative Player of the Year: Joshua Schuster
Tom Trbojevic and Harold Matthews Captain Josh Schuster
