Young Sharks centre Kayal Iro has capped off a remarkable 2022 season, winning both the prestigious Fred Daly Memorial Shield and the Brian Moore Shield at the Newtown Jets Presentation Night held at the Petersham RSL Club on Wednesday.
A breakout year for Iro, one in which he made his NRL debut, signed a contract extension with the Sharks, won the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup Player of the Year and represented the Cook Islands in the Rugby League World Cup, the latest set of awards recognising his contributions both on and off the field.
The Fred Daly Memorial Shield is awarded to the Newtown player judged to have made the most positive contribution to the club during the year, with the Brian Moore Shield presented to the season's 'Best and Fairest' player. Iro was also awarded the Newtown RLFC Members Player of the Year Award.
Iro was not the only young Shark to take home an award on the night, with Tom Hazelton receiving the 'Coach's Award', Kade Dykes taking home the 'Most Consistent Player' and Jesse Colquhoun awarded the 'Forward of the Year'.
Caleb Uele, the younger brother of Cronulla Sharks prop Braden Hamlin-Uele, also received the 2022 Most Improved Player of the Year, rounding out a successful season which saw him earn himself a pre-season 'train and trial' contract.
Held in the brand-new premises of the Petersham RSL Club, the 2022 Newtown RLFC Presentation Night was a most successful occasion, also providing the Newtown Jets community the opportunity to say thank you to Greg Matterson, who is stepping down after having served as a highly successful NSW Cup Head Coach from 2008 to 2022.
His record with the Jets includes two NSW Cup premierships, one NRL State Championship, twice runners-up, twice preliminary finalists, and four times semi-finalists.
Greg remains with the Newtown RLFC in the newly created position of Head of Football.
