SAM STEWART WINS CRONIN MEDAL

Classy Nowra-Bomaderry Jets halfback Sam Stewart has been awarded the 2012 Michael Cronin Medal at the annual Group 7 presentation night. The Michael Cronin Medal is the Group 7 rugby leagues highest player award and is awarded to the league’s Best and Fairest player as voted on by the referee’s.

Stewart, currently conducting his regional placement for medicine in Queensland and the Northern Territory, who made his acceptance speech via a recorded video link, was extremely shocked, humbled and greatly honoured to receive the Michael Cronin Medal.

Returning to the Jets for season 2012 after a year playing in Dapto, Stewart’s return saw many of the quality Nowra-Bomaderry players returning with him, and it wasn’t long before the exciting playmaker proved what he is capable of. Whilst having solid outings in the Jets losses in the first two games, Stewart’s brilliance came to the fore in the Jets first season win over the Magpies, setting up several tries as well as scoring two superb solo tries.

By round 6, Stewart was trailing the count by 5 votes, but his mid season performances remained strong despite missing two games, and by round 11, Stewart was only three votes behind. Only one vote separated the first two players at the end of round 15. With 3 rounds remaining and the Jets having the hardest run to the finals, facing Albion Park, Warilla and Kiama, Stewart played and poled extremely well given the Jets lost all three games.

In winning the Michael Cronin Medal for 2012, Stewart becomes the first player from either, the Nowra Warriors, Bomaderry SwampRats or Nowra-Bomaderry Jets to receive the prestigious award.