Matthew Croker has capped off a stellar season as Newcastle Knights’ SG Ball captain with selection in the NSW under 18s squad and a major club trophy.
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Croker claimed the prestigious Carlson Club award at the Knights junior presentation at Wests Mayfield on Monday night after being named as the only Newcastle player in the baby Blues’ squad, which will be reduced before the State of Origin II curtain-raiser against their Queensland counterparts in Sydney on June 21.
“I feel very privileged and it was an awesome night,” Croker told Knights media at the end-of-year event.
“It was really unexpected, I didn’t think I had the best season but it was a great finish to the night.”
Croker, who made his National Youth Competition starting debut last round, was also announced as Newcastle’s SG Ball player of the year.
Knights’ under-16 fullback Bradman Best also collected two pieces of silverware with the Danny Buderus encouragement award and Harold Matthews players’ player.
Best was one of seven Knights players picked in the NSW under-16 squad, which also included Newcastle’s Harold Matthews coaches award winner Max Buderus, following the club’s thrilling 26-20 extra-time grand final win over Manly at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday.
Other Knights prizes went to SG Ball pair Tex Hoy (players’ player) and Will Finau (coaches) as well as Harold Matthews player of the year Christian Ma'anamia.
