Manly Warringah Sea Eagles hooker Lachlan Croker has been honoured by his home town for his superb efforts in the NRL.
Croker was named the Sportsperson of the Year by the Upper Lachlan Shire Council at an Australia Day ceremony on Wednesday.
The ceremony was attended by more than 300 people, headed by the Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley, and his wife, Her Excellency Linda Hurley.
Born in Goulburn, Croker was raised in the Upper Lachlan Shire where he played local sport for the Crookwell Junior Green Devils and Crookwell Junior Cricket association.
Upper Lachlan Shire Council General Manager, Colleen Worthy, said Croker was a fine young role model for the community.
“Lachlan’s involvement as an accomplished NRL player has shown great dedication and commitment to the training required to maintain his position with the Manly Sea Eagles,’’ she said.
“His long list of sporting achievements should be commended, and our Council congratulates Lachlan on his successes.”
Croker said he was very humbled to receive the award in front of his family.
“When I looked at the list of past winners, it is always nice to be recognised by the people back home and from where you have come from,’’ Croker said.
“For me, the award shows any young person that there are pathways to achieve your goals if you want to pursue them, no matter where you come from.
“It was nice to be able to get the award on Crookwell Memorial Oval…the oval I started playing footy on as a young boy.
“Crookwell and the Upper Lachlan will always be home.”
