The Sydney Roosters are pleased to announce that Connor Watson, Corban Baxter and Angus Crichton have been selected as finalists for the NRL and RPLA’s Wellbeing & Education awards.
The awards acknowledge and celebrate the significant amount of dedication, commitment and effort NRL and NRLW players put into their lives away from the field to enhance their post-career development.
Connor Watson – Indigenous Leadership & Excellence Award
Connor Watson has been selected as a finalist for the Indigenous Leadership & Excellence Award after displaying significant dedication to the areas of leadership, career and education development, as well as cultural engagement in the broader community.
A proud Gamilaroi Man, Connor's leadership qualities and ability to inspire others to explore various aspects of their lives beyond football are commendable.
Connor takes the initiative to organise activities and events within the Club that promote cultural, creative, emotional and academic exploration.
Connor supports the Club’s community department, volunteering his time to host clinics in regional areas, as part of the Steggles Regional Roadshow.
The 27-year-old is the Director of the Cultural Choice Association – a not-for-profit organisation whose mission is to raise awareness and support the prevention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Youth Suicide.
His leadership, work-ethic and positive attitude showcase his natural ability to make a profound impact on the community.
Corban Baxter – Pasifika Leadership & Excellence Award, Entrepreneur Player of the Year Award
Roosters NRLW Vice-Captain Corban Baxter has been recognised as a finalist for two awards - the Pasifika Leadership & Excellence Award, as well as the Entrepreneur Player of the Year award.
Born in New Zealand, Corban has proudly captained the Māori All Stars team twice and has been a strong advocate for Māori and Pasifika programs.
She recently completed her Certificate III in Fitness and also recently gained her Senior Coaching certificates.
Corban continues to be a role model for athlete mothers, having recently returned from having her second child while still playing at the highest level.
She continues to show leadership qualities on and off the field as a Captain at her club and co-owner of her business, CK Athletic Development.
Based in the Sutherland Shire, CK Athletic Development provides individuals of all ages the opportunity to develop their athletic abilities through professional training.
Corban combines her knowledge and experience with co-founder Kiana Takairangi to inspire, guide and support athletes to reach their goals and be better people, both on and off the field.
Angus Crichton - Entrepreneur Player of the Year Award
Angus Crichton has been selected as a finalist for the Entrepreneur Player of the Year award after demonstrating his commitment, creativity and motivation towards the operation of his two organisations.
Founding Director of First People Project – A foundation that provides a mentoring program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander boys and girls at boarding school.
First Nations students are partnered with a mentor one-on-one to assist in navigating the challenges of high-school and young-adult life, simultaneously building friendships and life-long connections.
The First People Project use their resources and network to make help make the time transitioning from school to work, study or whatever it may be, as seamless as possible.
Business Owner of AC Flo – A barber and hairstyling service located in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney.
Angus manages all aspects of the business and has secured a loyal customer base through implementing robust marketing strategies and providing a high-quality service and experience.
Winners of the Wellbeing & Education Awards will be announced on Thursday September 7.