Lindsay Collins Claims 2023 Jack Gibson Medal

Author: Sydney Roosters
Timestamp: Wed 20 Sep 2023, 10:30 PM

Sydney Roosters forward Lindsay Colins has capped off a stellar season with the 2023 Jack Gibson Medal.

This year has been one to remember for the Australian Kangaroos representative, who has truly stood up in some of the biggest moments of the season to courageously lead by example.

Whether he was forcing a goal-line drop-out, racing 60 metres to make a try-saving tackle or leaping into the in-goal with smile on his face, the 27-year-old’s dedication to embracing the challenges and nailing the details has been recognised by his teammates and Coach Trent Robinson.

Lindsay Collins | Jack Gibson Medal Acceptance Speech

A first-time winner of the Club’s most coveted award, Collins featured in all but one of the Roosters’ games this season, scoring three tries, making 802 tackles and averaging 112 hard-earned run metres per match.

Sydney Roosters Members also recognised Collins’ efforts, voting him as the 2023 Red Rooster Members Player of the Year, with James Tedesco, Nat Butcher, Luke Keary and Billy Smith all polling a high number of votes.

Sam Walker Awarded Steggles Try of the Year

Young half Sam Walker claimed the Steggles Try of the Year for his stunning solo effort which saw him slice through the Wests Tigers defence and dive over the line in Round 26.

In his first game back after recovering an ACL sprain, Walker played an important role in guiding his team to victory, forcing two drop-outs, breaking four tackles and making an offload.

The crafty playmaker continued to claim points in successive weeks at the back end of the season, crossing for a try against South Sydney in Round 27 before icing field-goals in back-to-back weeks against the Sharks and Storm.

Ryan Sansom Claims Barry Van Heekeran ‘Mocca’ Award

Sydney Roosters Head of Sponsorship and Sales, Ryan Sansom, was awarded the Barry Van Heekeran ‘Mocca’ Award for constantly striving to create meaningful relationships with sponsors and upholding the Club’s values.

A proud staff member for over 11 years, Sansom first started in the Membership team before transitioning to the corporate department, enthusiastically representing the Club in every aspect of his roles.

James Tedesco Wins Roosters Our Community Award

2023 Ken Stephen Medal finalist James Tedesco has been awarded the Roosters Our Community Award for his ongoing dedication to charity work and community support.

The fearless leader goes above and beyond in his role as an ambassador for the Heroes with Ability program, working in the community to help break down social barriers for people with a disability.

Recognising that his high profile can help those in need, Tedesco works diligently to uphold Club community commitments, working with charities, youth development and community support programs.

The Champion fullback also maintains a proud partnership with the Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation, a charity which financially supports mobile care units that provide assistance to children with cancer.

Since 2019, he has passionately raised funds and awareness for the charity through an outreach program named in his honour – the James Tedesco Outreach Program.

De La Salle Va’a Receives Chris Sykes Award

Young forward De La Salle Va’a has been awarded the Chris Sykes Junior Representative Player of the Year Award following an impressive SG Ball season which saw him progress into the Club’s Jersey Flegg Cup squad.

The Roosters’ SG Ball Player of the Year led from the front in season 2023, making bone-rattling tackles and tough carries to inspire his team, earning selection into Queensland’s U18 Emerging Origin Squad.

Named in the New South Wales Combined Catholic Schools (NSWCCC) representative rugby league team, Va’a helped guide his team to victory in the early stages of the tournament before fracturing his hand.

Despite the injury, his hard work, talent and dedication was recognised with selection into the Australian Schoolboys team.

Siua Wong Claims Harry Phipps Rising Star and NSW Cup Player of the Year Awards

Twenty-year-old backrower Siua Wong capped off his meteoric rise to first grade with the Harry Phipps Rising Star and NSW Cup Player of the Year Awards.

Starting out season 2023 in the Roosters NSW Cup squad, Wong demonstrated his strength and determination with 80-minute performances as lock, while also featuring in the second row and at prop.

With defence a key component of his game, Wong tallied 594 tackles with a 94.3% efficiency in his 17 NSW Cup games, also bagging four tries to catch the watchful eye of Trent Robinson.

The Fijian representative quickly slotted into the Tricolours second row for his NRL debut against the Sea Eagles in Round 18 and continued to build on his skillset with every week he was named in the top grade.

Wong’s team-first attitude and versatility saw him feature in the centres a number of times throughout the NRL season, most notably against the Sharks in Finals Week 1 where he scored a game-levelling try and broke nine tackles to see the Roosters progress into the Semi.

Luke Keary Takes Out James Mathews Clubman of the Year

Voted by Sydney Roosters players and staff, Luke Keary has been awarded the James Mathews Clubman of the Year for his extensive contributions both on and off the field throughout season 2023.

The Vice-Captain is the only player who featured in every single match this year, stepping up in some high-pressure moments to guide his team to victory while also acting as a mentor for many emerging stars.

Always putting the Club first, Keary’s put smiles on many faces across Tamworth in March, attending the Ronald McDonald House, Westdale and Tamworth Public Schools and hosting a skills clinic as part of the Steggles Regional Roadshow.

Away from the game the five-eighth encouraged his peers to pursue their educational interests, sharing study techniques and time-management advice that he has picked up while undertaking a Master of Business Administration – an effort that was recognised with the NRL’s Academic Player of the Year award.