The Sydney Roosters are proud to announce that Luke Keary and Nat Butcher have been recognised for their off-field educational achievements in the 2023 Academic Team of the Year.
The Academic Team of the Year incorporates players from both the senior men’s and women’s competitions – which helps to inspire and empower all rugby league players to further their education.
Luke Keary – Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Luke acts a mentor for young players who are just starting out or continuing their studies. He works diligently to boost their confident levels, often sharing his studying and time management techniques that he has picked up in his years of educational experience.
The Vice-Captain has completed a Certificate IV in both Fitness and Small Business, as well as a Bachelor of Business at ACU. He is currently undertaking a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the University of New South Wales.
Luke’s determination to pursue his studies has not wavered throughout his career, despite sustaining multiple major injuries and becoming a father. He has managed every challenge and the increased personal demands by using his study as a positive distraction or escape.
An inspiration to many, Luke self-manages his commitments effectively and allocates time in his schedule to complete assessments well in advance of their due date.
Nat Butcher – Bachelor of Commerce (Data Analytics)
Nat has been called upon by the Club’s Education and Wellbeing staff multiple times to encourage younger players involved with the NRL squad to pursue an education outside of football.
Before commencing his current degree – a Bachelor of Commerce (Data Analytis), he completed a Certificate IV in Small Business Management and a Diploma in Business through the Elite Athlete Business School.
Nat is as a wise decision maker and good team mate who lives a balanced lifestyle with an ongoing focus on professional development and lifelong learning.
His unwavering commitment to furthering his education has seen Nat receive outstanding academic results with a Blue Award.
He also regular engages in community work as a Ronald McDonald House Ambassador and completed the Three Peaks Challenge as fundraiser during the off-season last year.
The full Academic Team of the Year is as follows:
| Ethan Bullemor Sea Eagles |
Bachelor of Advanced Economics (University of Queensland) |
| Nat Butcher Roosters |
Bachelor of Commerce - Data Analytics (Australian Catholic University) |
| Shenae Ciesiolka Broncos |
Bachelor of Education - PDHPE (University of Southern Queensland) |
| Yasmin Clydesdale Knights |
Graduate Certificate in Career Development (Australian Catholic University) Bachelor of Education (University of Newcastle) |
| Moeaki Fotuaika Titans |
Certificate IV in Youth Work (DaV'ange Training) Certificate IV in Family Intervention (DaV'ange Training) |
| Reuben Garrick Sea Eagles |
Carpentry Apprenticeship (TAFE NSW) Bachelor of Property & Real Estate (Deakin University |
| Luke Keary Roosters |
Master of Business Administration (University of New South Wales) Bachelor of Business (Australian Catholic University) Certificate IV in Fitness (Mission Australia) Certificate IV in Small Business (Elite Athlete Business School) |
| Blake Lawrie Dragons |
Building Surveying Certificate (College of Professional Development) |
| Mark Nicholls Dolphins |
Graduate Certificate of Program Management (Queensland University of Technology) Diploma of Business (Australian Vocational Training Company) Bachelor Of sport Management & Coaching Science (University of Canberra) |
| Cory Paix Broncos |
Carpentry Apprenticeship (Housing Industry Australia and Reebuild Constructions) |
| Kaitlyn Phillips Titans |
Bachelor of Echocardiography & Cardiac Physiology (Central Queensland University) Bachelor of Paramedicine (Charles Sturt University) |
| Tayla Predebon Knights |
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (University of Newcastle) |
| Tyran Wishart Storm |
Bachelor of Construction Management & Property (University of New South Wales) Carpentry Apprenticeship (Trades Institute Victoria) |
