Andrew Smith claims 2009 Ken Catchpole Medal

Thursday, 8 October 2009
NSWRU

http://twf.com.au/picture.php?albumid=40&pictureid=601

Brumbies recruit Andrew Smith's line break against Perpignan during the Brumbies French tour 2009

Northern Suburbs centre and CA Brumbies recruit Andrew Smith has claimed the 2009 Ken Catchpole Medal as the most outstanding player of the Tooheys New Shute Shield, the accolade announced at tonight’s NSW Rugby Awards at the Citigate Central Sydney.

Referees award votes on a 3-2-1 basis after each first grade game, with Smith polling votes in 15 matches despite the Shoremen registering just eight victories in 2009.

Smith finished the season on 33 votes, eleven clear of runner-up Daniel Halangahu (22) who finished the year on the charge. Having missed the opening half of the competition due to Super 14 commitments with the Waratahs, Sydney University flyhalf Halangahu polled his first votes in round nine, going on to record seven man of the match performances, the same number as Smith.

Dave Harvey (Gordon), who was a co-winner of the 2008 Catchpole Medal with Scott Fardy (Warringah) finished third on 20 votes ahead of Sydney University flanker Pat McCutcheon (19) and Eastwood skipper Hugh Perrett (18).

In awards voted by the Tooheys New Shute Shield first grade coaches, Phil Blake (Manly) won the David Brockhoff Medal for Coach of the Year while Steve Walsh won the Dick Byres Medal for Mazda Referee of the Year.

2009 NSW RUGBY AWARDS
Thursday 8 October 2009
Citigate Central Sydney

KEN CATCHPOLE MEDAL
Tooheys New Shute Shield Player of the Year
33 Andrew Smith (Northern Suburbs)
22 Daniel Halangahu (Sydney University)
20 Dave Harvey (Gordon)
19 Pat McCutcheon (Sydney University)
18 Hugh Perrett (Eastwood)
17 Adam D’Arcy (Manly)
16 Ben Batger (Eastwood)
16 Beau Robinson (Warringah)
15 Sam Harris (Warringah)
15 Sitiveni Mafi (Parramatta)
15 Brett Sheehan (Warringah)

very well deserved! easily the standout all season

The Northern Suburbs utility back joined the Brumbies for their recent four-match French Tour and, after several excellent performances, was awarded Best Back for the tour and finished second – behind Pat McCabe – in the Player of the Tour poll.

Good to see Forcemen Sheehan and Harris polling well.

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Originally Posted by Burgs

Good to see Forcemen Sheehan and Harris polling well.

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I never really paid attention to Sheehan when he was at the Waratahs but I was pretty impressed at his style of play for Warringah. He's very well suited to what the Force has for next year. The kind of player who is 100 times better behind a pack going forward (which hopefully we will be).

I've liked his style of play for as long as I've seen him James, perhaps biase a little by the knowledge of his Country WA pedigree I'll admit, and like Henjak offers a "ninth forward" option. A "Scrumhalf" to O'Young's "Halfback" style.
Personally I think he is probably the better of those two (O'Young) but I think he won't start in Round 1.
Generally speaking I prefer "my #9" to be the passing, open play type starter with "my "20" to offer a point of difference including the ability to do some hard yards behind a tiring pack.

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Originally Posted by Burgs

Good to see Forcemen Sheehan and Harris polling well.

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Yep polled well.... they're less than half of Andrew Smiths score... I guess thats a positive in WA rugby... :verysad:

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Originally Posted by mudskipper

Yep polled well.... they're less than half of Andrew Smiths score... I thats a positive in WA rugby... :verysad:

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Coach can you make us a "Whatever" emote icon?

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Originally Posted by James

Coach can you make us a "Whatever" emote icon?

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WHATEVER, just use the Mitchell head icon means the same thing...

Furthermore... Mr James I'm gathering 2 players in WA from the Eastern States is equal to one Rookie achiever...

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Originally Posted by James

Coach can you make us a "Whatever" emote icon?

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Whatever imho has a small bit of care included - I think meh would be more suited in such a situation ...

:meh: = :meh:

but did I add this one for good measure :)

:whatever: = :whatever: