The NSW Country Rugby League has announced Chris Adams from Cessnock RLFC as the 2014 AAMI Country Rugby League Player of the Year and Panthers player Jamal Idris as 2014 VB Country Origin Player of the Year.
Adams and Idris were both in attendance to receive the CRL’s top honours, at the AAMI Country Rugby League Player of the Year dinner held at Doltone House Hyde Park on Friday night. More than 350 Rugby League officials, volunteers and players were in attendance.
Cessnock’s Chris Adams, who made three first grade appearances for the Newcastle Knights in 2012, accepted his award on stage for his efforts for the Newcastle representative side which played in the CRL AAMI Championships and also for the Country Firsts side that toured Hawaii in July.
Idris was not only a dominant force throughout the match against City at Caltex Park, Dubbo, but dedicated himself to community activities throughout the week. He proved to be one of the most popular members of the team with Country fans young and old.
Guests included The Hon Thomas George MP (representing Premier NSW Mike Baird and Sport Minister Stuart Ayres) and the Hon. Linda Burney MP, who is head of the ARLC’s Indigenous Council.
ARLC Chairman John Grant also attended along with NRL CEO Dave Smith and representatives of the NRL.
Representing the States were NSWRL CEO Dave Trodden and QRL CEO, Rob Moore. CRL CEO Terry Quinn, Acting Chairman John Anderson and the CRL Executive were in attendance along with Management Committee members, volunteers and players.
The Country Rugby League concluded celebrations of its 80th Year at the event, with Rugby League historian David Middleton delivering an address giving an overview of the proud history of Rugby League in Country NSW.
CEO Terry Quinn said: “Tonight’s event was a fitting tribute to the strength of Country Rugby League in its 80th year and we are delighted to be able to celebrate this milestone with our volunteers, players and the game’s leaders in attendance.”