The breakaway represented NSW Country in 2017 and spent two seasons playing for Eastern Suburbs in the Shute Shield.

"On the field, he was everything we were told he was going to be," Cunningham said. "The area where we got more was his leadership. Sometimes when players come to a new club they sit back and find your way. He was quick to take on a senior role in the forward pack and with our lineout especially."

Callow and fearless Hamilton centre Angus Brown were this week named joint-winners of the Anderson Medal for the first grade best and fairest player.

They were both on 12 points when the competition was suspended with three rounds remaining. Wanderers five-eighth Luke Simmons and Maitland fullback Chris Logan were next on 10 points.

A tireless worker, Callow, 24 added a hard edge to the Blacks' pack.

"It is a very physical competition," Callow said. "It is the same as Sydney in terms of physicality, the thing that changes when you go to Sydney is the speed of the game."

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For now Callow has no interest in returning to the Shute Shield with the Hunter Wildfires.

"I am focused on work," the apprentice plumber said. "I had my years in Sydney having a go at footy. I enjoyed it but it is a big commitment. I am enjoying playing club footy at Maitland. We have a good group and will be a threat next year."

Brown returned to Hamilton after a season with the Wildfires and was damaging with and without the ball.

In divisional rugby, there were also joint winners of the Cyril Burke Medal, with Muswellbrook pair finishing on 12 points.

Waratah's Jennifer Mauli won the Tina Chapman Medal.

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