Sam, 15, follows Robyn Fernley (1975), Kristen and Julie Towers (1990), Brooke Morrison (1995), Kate Harris (1987) and Maddison Rosser (2011). Hockey has provided the most winners of the award that was inaugurated by Ken McDonald in 1960, although Sam is the first male hockey player to get his name on the trophy.

Sam was named in the Australian side to tour South Africa next June following the Australian All School Championships held in Perth. He was a member of the NSW side that dominated the championship until the final when beaten by Queensland.

Sam was the unanimous choice of the judging panel consisting of Hugh McCrindle OAM (chairman), mayor Paul Hogan, GTCC general manager Ron Posselt, Narelle Salmon, Craig Martin and Mick McDonald.

There were six candidates for the award, Sam, dragon boat racers Sean Page and Sam Thomson, equestrian Sui Watts, swimmer Brock Van Kampen and motor cyclist Jack Hyde.

"It was a diverse field,'' Mr McCrindle said of the finalists.

"All the finalists had outstanding credentials and it was a tough decision.''

Mr McCrindle noted that three of the past hockey winners - Robyn Fernley, the Towers twins and Brooke Morrison went onto play for the Hockeyroos. Fernley (now Leggatt) captained Australia at the 1984 Olympic Games while Julie Towers was a member of Australia's gold medal winning team at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

"Ths Manning has produced some wonderful hockey players,'' Mr McCrindle said.

"Sam is continuing that tradition.''

Sam thanked his parents, Dave and Fran, for their support.

"They take me around everywhere,'' he said, while also congratulating the other finalists.

Sam is a member of the Sharks side in the Manning A-grade competition while he also plays in the Newcastle Premier League.