TALENTED forward Harry Hobden capped off a big year for the Muswellbrook Heelers, taking home a few of the major awards at the club’s recent presentation night.
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But, he would have swapped it all for premiership glory in the Newcastle Hunter Rugby Union (NHRU) President’s Cup.
Muswellbrook suffered a heart-breaking 17-6 loss to Easts 1 in the grand final at No 2 Sportsground.
Hobden, the NHRU Divisional Player of the Year, picked up the Players’ Player and Best and Fairest plaudits at the Heelers’ function at Highbrook Park.
He also celebrated 50 games alongside team mates Ben Heriot, Josaia Besemotala, Cameron Huggins, Ethan Cridland and Dan Keating.
Doug Raphael, who chalked up his 100th appearance for Muswellbrook, was named Player of the Year.
Rookie of the Year went to Pat Scott.
While the Heelers fell short of the championship title in their historic 50th season, their efforts during 2017 did not go unnoticed.
Muswellbrook was crowned the NHRU Club of the Year, based on a range of criteria, including administration and spirit of the game.
“That’s a real boom for our club to win that considering we were against some very slick [clubs] around Newcastle,” coach Michael Hall said.
“We’d also like to thank all of our players, sponsors and supporters for a successful year, including Muswellbrook RSL Club, Civeo Corporation, Muswellbrook Steel Supplies, Two Rivers Wines, Pukara Estate, Hunter Belle Cheese Factory, Pirtek Fluid Systems Muswellbrook, Coolmore Stud, Eaton's Hotel, The Valley Hotel, Muswellbrook Atlantic Oils, Hunter Prosigns, Australian Filter and Duct, Wideland Motor Group, Wear Parts Australia and Hollydene Estate Wines.”
2017 award winners –
Player of the Year - Doug Raphael
Best and Fairest - Harry Hobden
Coaches Award - Mark Snow
Players’ Player - Harry Hobden
Rookie of the Year - Pat Scott
Best Back - Cameron Young
Training Award - Blake Fulcher
Encouragement Award - Josh Dumas
Most Improved Award - Pat Scott
Highest Point Scorer - Ethan Cridland
President’s Award - Michael Chandler and Mary-Anne Pike
Rugby Cup - Lisa Buckley and Shannon Hall
Balmoral Plate - Scott Almond
50 games –
Harry Hobden
Ben Heriot
Josaia Besemotala
Cameron Huggins
Ethan Cridland
Dan Keating
100 games –
Doug Raphael
Tyler Judge
150 games –
Mitchell Googe