By BRYSON LUFF

Cobar’s Thomas Plater along with Dunedoo’s Hayley Cox and Baradine’s Billy Carey have been announced as the Christie and Hood Castlereagh 2021 Player Of the Year recipients in first grade, league tag and youth league respectively.

Plater, a new arrival in Cobar after his appointment to the local high school as a teacher at the start of the year, quickly established himself as a high quality hooker for the very well performed Rooster’s first grade side.

Apart from being an explosive runner from the dummy half position, posing many questions to opposition defences throughout the season, he was also the foundation for much of Cobar’s structured play as well as being an excellent defender.

The Roosters will be keen to have him continue playing for them for some time to come, his contribution to the team being highly significant in the them winning the minor premiership in the season unfortunately cut short by COVID.

Dunedoo Swanette Hayley Cox received 2021 Player of the Year in Leaguetag.

Hayley Cox, the Dunedoo Swannette’s talented half back and co-captain has put in many outstanding displays on the league tag field this year, her winning of the Player Of The Year being remarkable in the fact that she missed quite a number of games whilst being engaged in another of her sporting passions.

Hayley is heavily involved in equestrian showjumping, where she once again competed at a very high standard, as evidenced by her being placed second at this year’s Royal Easter Show in Sydney.

Apart from her obvious talent as a league tag player the Dunedoo RLFC sing Hayley’s praise for her enthusiastic and dedicated approach to the club and her team in what is a very hectic sporting and working life that she leads.

Youth League Player of the Year award went to Billy Carey, Baradine Magpie.

Apprentice butcher, Billy Carey, from Baradine has picked up the Youth League Player Of The Year Award.

The likeable Carey is a very well respected member of the Baradine Magpies club and the Baradine community, being a talented player with a great attitude.

This year he took on a leadership role within his team, moving from fullback in to the halves.

In the latter stages of the year Carey also played in the Magpies first grade side and more than held his own.

Apart from his talent as a player Carey is also a promising referee.