Titans Elite Development System squad member Thomas Weaver has heaped praise on his fellow Northern Rivers teammates after receiving the Player of the Year award at the Country Rugby League Awards in Sydney last Friday night.
The Northern Rivers Under-16 side took out the Andrew Johns Cup back in April, defeating the Western Rams in the final with Weaver instrumental throughout the entire competition.
At a gala event held in Sydney with over 350 officials, players and volunteers in attendance, the 16-year-old received the Rod Lanesbury Medal but was quick to praise his fellow squad members rather than his own individual achievements.
“It was a really good reward and award to receive, but it wasn’t just for me,” Weaver said.
“I wouldn’t have been able to get the award without the help of the team.
“The team did a really good job throughout the entire competition. It was a great night down in Sydney.”
Weaver has been part of the TEDS Northern Rivers program this season and credits the coaching staff for his continued development.
“The TEDS program has been great for me. To have that attachment to the Titans and to have regular contact with Jamie (McCormack – Elite Player Development Manager) and Patto (TEDS Coach Andrew Pattinson) is great,” he said.
“To be able to learn new things from them that help continue our development and progression is exactly what we’re after.”
As a reward for his efforts, Weaver and 10 of his successful Northern Rivers teammates have been selected in a NSW Country Under-16 team that will travel to the United Kingdom in November.
“There are 11 members of the Northern Rivers side that are part of the NSW Country team that will go to England in a few weeks,” Weaver said of the tour.
“I love playing with that group of guys. We’ve been close for years and have played in many rep teams together.
“I hope we can keep playing together for a few years yet and keep achieving big things.
“We head over and play two Tests against the England Lions Under-16 team, and then we also have a game against the Under-16 Leeds Academy team.
“I went last year with a Group 18, side but this will definitely be a step up, and we’re all looking forward to it.”
While it’s been a big year for the halfback, Weaver will return from England and head straight back into pre-season training – and he can’t wait to get started.
“We come back from England and then pretty much go straight into pre-season training,” he said.
“It’s been a big year but the body has made it through a lot of work and I really want to keep training and playing.”
