Sydney Roosters partnership Club, the Central Coast Roosters, celebrated the conclusion of their Junior Representative season last Thursday evening.
Awards were presented to players in the Premiership-winning Andrew Johns Cup side, as well as the Harold Matthews and Laurie Daley Cup teams.
Athletes were recognised for their commitment, sacrifice, sportsmanship and growth throughout the 2023 season, with Roosters coach Trent Robinson and captain James Tedesco also showing their support through video messages.
Andrew John’s Cup – Premiers
The Central Coast Roosters Andrew John’s Cup team defeated the Newcastle-Maitland Region Knights 18-10 to claim the Premiership on Saturday March 25 at Woy Woy Oval.
A man-of-the-match performance from Darcy Smith and a double to halfback Jai Callaghan guided the Roosters to victory, capping off an impressive finals run after conceding two regular season losses.
| Best Back | Isaac Fotu-Moala |
| Best Forward | Jaxson Watene |
| Players' Player | Ryan Tukapua |
| Coaches Award | Darcy Smith |
| Best and Fairest | Jai Callaghan |
Harold Matthew’s Cup
The Harold Matthew’s Cup team were recognised for their team-first attitude and growth as individuals and as a group throughout the season on Thursday evening.
| Best Back | Demetrius Kilisimasi |
| Best Forward | Josiah Fesolai |
| Players' Player | Coby Thomas |
| Coaches Award | Samisoni Talakai |
| Best and Fairest | Billy Brown |
Laurie Daley Cup
Recording two impressive regular season wins, the Laurie Daley Cup team narrowly missed out on making the semi-finals. Hooker Zac Gillett was recognised for his sportsmanship and skill, taking home the Players' Player and Best and Fairest award for the playing group.
| Best Back | Amyn Hamilton |
| Best Forward | Jackson Pennell |
| Players' Player | Zac Gillett |
| Coaches Award | Will Hodder |
| Best and Fairest | Zac Gillett |
Player of the Year and Rising Rooster Awards
The Central Coast Roosters also acknowledged two players for their outstanding overall effort in the 2023 season with the Player of the Year and Rising Rooster awards.
Presented by Head of Central Coast Pathways and NRLW Head Coach John Strange, Laurie Daley Cup star Zac Gillett claimed the Player of the Year award, his third accolade of the night.
The Rising Rooster was awarded to Riley Ilham, who successfully captained his team to the Club’s second Andrew Johns Cup Championship. Ilham demonstrated the qualities of a true Sydney Rooster throughout the season, stepping up in defence to stop tries while also directing attacking plays and encouraging his teammates.
