IMPRESSIVE Taree Panthers fullback Ethan Ferguson is the inaugural winner of the Kevin Hardy Group Three Junior Rugby League under 16 player of the grand final.
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Ferguson played a starring role in the Panthers' 36-30 win over a determined Port City side in the match at Wingham. This was the side's sixth successive grand final win.
Group Three JRL decided to honour Kevin Hardy OAM by dedicating the player of the match award in his name. Mr Hardy is the longest serving president in Group Three Junior League history and his involvement with rugby league in this area stretches back to 1956 when he first turned out in what was then the Taree and District Junior Rugby League.
He received his OAM this year for services to rugby league as a player, coach and administrator.
Mr Hardy was at Wingham to present Ferguson with the award.
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Meanwhile the Group Three under 18 premiers will now receive the Barrie Smith Shield. This is to honour Mr Smith, who served on the group's executive for more than 30 years. The group will buy a new shield for next year.
The current shield was first win by Taree United in 1965. It has been suggested it be presented to the Cundletown and Lower Manning Historical Society and Cundletown Museum.
