Waratahs captain Michael Hooper has taken out a record sixth Matthew Burke Cup as NSW’s best player this season.
The openside flanker finished the season as Super Rugby’s top tackler, despite missing two matches and not featuring in finals, and was consistently one of the Waratahs’ best players throughout the season.
Hooper has won the trophy in all bar one of his seasons at the Waratahs, Israel Folau (2018) the only other player to take the prize in recent years.
Wallaroos captain Grace Hamilton took out the Super W player of the year prize after her stellar season.
In the positional awards, Karmichael Hunt and Rob Simmons claimed the best back and best forward gongs, while backrower Lachie Swinton won the Chris Whitaker Medal as rookie of the year.
Emily Chancellor and Ash Hewson took out the Super W best forward and best back prizes, respectively, while playmaker Arabella McKenzie was named the rookie of the season.
Junior Wallabies winger Mark Nawaqanitawase won the Dave Dennis Elite Youth Development Player of the Year NSW Rugby CEO
“It’s not often you’re able to get everyone together in the one place to celebrate the things that make our game so great,” Hore said.
“We’ve seen some wonderful individuals recognised for their contribution to rugby in New South Wales and I can’t stress the importance of their work at the grassroots of our game – ensuring rugby is inclusive, accessible and continues to thrive.
“At a representative level, players like Michael [Hooper] and Grace [Hamilton] are worthy Player of the Year winners who we’re proud to have represent the New South Wales Waratahs.
“Tonight also reinforces the value of the investment we’ve made into our development with Lachlan [Swinton], Mark [Nawaqanitawase] and Hugh [Bockenham] all taking home awards – with each having taken a different journey through our player pathway.
“On a personal note, we also said goodbye to players and staff who have all had important roles to play in the growth of our organisation, I’d like to thank them for their service to New South Wales Rugby and wish them the very best in the future.”
NSW RUGBY AWARD WINNERS
Super Rugby
Matt Burke Cup
Michael Hooper
Best Forward
Rob Simmons
Best Back
Karmichael Hunt
Chris Whitaker Medal
Lachlan Swinton
Super W
Super W Player of the Year
Grace Hamilton
Super W Best Forward
Emily Chancellor
Best Back
Ash Hewson
Rookie of the Year
Arabella McKenzie
Community Awards
Dave Dennis Elite Youth Development Player of the Year
Mark Nawaqanitawase
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Volunteer of the Year (Youth)
Liam Rice, Bourke Rams.
Volunteer of the Year (Senior)
Steve Johnson, Southern Districts.
Young Community Match Official of the Year
Angus Cameron, Sydney North.
Community Match Official of the Year
Kate Thomson, Central Coast.
Spirit of Rugby: Girls’ Player of the Year
Irene Taylor, Eastwood.
Spirit of Rugby: Boys’ Player of the Year
Heath Lancaster, St Pauls College, Kempsey.
Matthew Street Shield
Hugh Bockenham, St Joseph’s College.