SUNSHINE COAST, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 30: Storm coach Craig Bellamy speaks in a pre game game television interview before the start of the round 16 NRL match between the Melbourne Storm and the Manly Sea Eagles at Sunshine Coast Stadium on August 30, 2020 in Sunshine Coast, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
Winners of the 2023 POTY: Junior Representative Award
At this year’s RedZed Melbourne Storm Player of the Year awards night, members of the Storm Academy program, as well as the larger Jersey Flegg and SG Ball outfits, were recognized.
Jersey Flegg skipper Keagan Russell-Smith was named Melbourne Storm Academy Player of the Year for the first time, while hardworking forward Poasi Manu was named Darren Bell Jersey Flegg U21s Player of the Year and Dickie Terepo was named Greg Brentnall SG Ball U19s Player of the Year.
Keagan Russell-Smith, Melbourne Storm Academy Player of the Year
Russell-Smith made an immediate impression upon his arrival in Melbourne, setting the example for his teammates with his meticulous attitude to training, which was reflected in his exceptional on-field performances.
Russell-Smith was the major conductor behind Storm’s attack, scoring and laying on tries while also proving to be a sharpshooter from the kicking tee, topping the points scoring chart in the Jersey Flegg competition.
According to Melbourne Storm Pathways Coach Matt Duffie, Russell-Smith’s refined and professional attitude to rugby league immediately made him not only a standout performance but also a well-liked teammate.
“The thing I like about Keagan is he has built his game around defence and his kicking game, he’s really tough and never lets him teammates down, he puts his body on the line and makes his tackles,” Duffie said in a statement.
“He never shies away from the contest, is always in the game, always consistent and he’s the captain of the team at a young age and has tried to bring everyone along with him, he’s got amazing potential and very much a Storm player.”
Poasi Manu, Darren Bell Jersey Flegg U21s Player of the Year
Poasi Manu was honored for an extraordinarily consistent 2023 season in which his defensive work rate and outstanding running game set a good example for Storm’s youthful front line.
Manu’s ‘team first’ mentality and ‘no fuss’ approach to playing in his final season in the U21s competition made him a useful comrade and leader within the Academy program and the entire Jersey Flegg group.
“He didn’t miss a single session in the pre-season, he always turned up and was always reliable,” Duffie said of him.
“On the field he was always solid, the fact he can play in the middle and on an edge was a key asset and while didn’t all the flashy things consistency wise he was our most consistent player.”
Dickie Terepo, Greg Brentnall SG Ball U19s Player of the Year
Throughout the SG Ball season, Dickie Terepo proved his team-oriented mentality and ability to play in a variety of positions, excelling in both the second row and the centres.
Terepo was a shining light for the SG Ball side in 2023, thanks to a strong running game and a solid defensive presence.
He was very professional in his approach to the game; he didn’t stick out, but when you looked at him closely from a coach’s viewpoint, he was quite outstanding and consistent with his effort on defense; he never clocked off and always gave 100%,” Duffie recalled.
“He was highly involved in every game and stood out for his effort efforts.”
