The NSWRL has honoured two of its greatest administrators and promoters of regional NSW football – Robert ‘Bert’ Lowrie and John ‘Choc’ Anderson OAM – with two new Player of the Match medals.
Lowrie’s name now adorns the award for the best player in the SLE Andrew Johns Cup Grand Final (Under 16s), while Anderson has his name on the SLE Laurie Daley Cup (Under 18s) medal.
Both men have enjoyed long-standing careers in both the CRL (Country Rugby League) and the NSWRL, before and after the two entities merged in 2019.
They were instrumental in setting up the Andrew Johns Cup and Laurie Daley Cup competitions, which began in 2018. Anderson was CRL chairman when they began and is currently a Director on the NSWRL Board.
Lowrie is Life Member of Scone JRL and Group 21 Rugby League in the Hunter Valley and is a former Team Manager for the NSW Blues.
The 2024 Grand Finals were held at Cessnock Sportsground last Sunday (24 March) with both men present to hand out their inaugural medals.
Central Coast Roosters lock Alexander Stephenson won the Robert ‘Bert’ Lowrie Medal (pictured above) and Monaro Colts halfback Jonah Anderson won the John ‘Choc’ Anderson OAM Medal.
“I’m very proud to have my name on it because I’m sure there’s a lot of other people who have done more than me,” Anderson said.
“But there are some terrific people involved with Rugby League in the country so I’m very thankful they’ve thought of me.
“These two Cups are very, very important and give the kids from the bush the opportunity of showing their wares, of travel to other regions, of representing their clubs and areas.
“I’m also extremely pleased the first winner of the award’s name is Anderson.”
Lowrie said it took about three years to get the two Regional Reps competitions for Under 16s and Under 18s boys up and running.
“A lot of hard work went into it, and I’m really pleased that the NSWRL and in particular CEO Dave Trodden, continue to support these two competitions,” Lowrie said.
“It’s really important that regional kids do have a recognised pathway. The spin-offs from this are so beneficial.
“I was one of many who worked towards to getting it up and running so I’m very grateful to have my name there as I represent all of those who worked hard.”
