Rockhampton Rugby League: Emu Park’s Harry Barham wins Ollie Howden Medal, clubmate Samartha Leisha Female Player of the Year
Emu Park celebrates dual success, with their players taking out the top men’s and women’s awards at the annual presentation night. See the full list of major award winners here.
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Harry Barham says it’s a “pretty special feeling” to have his name etched on the Ollie Howden Medal board.
The Emu Park hooker received Rockhampton Rugby League’s major gong for best and fairest in season 2022 at the annual awards presentation at the Rockhampton Leagues Club.
“It’s unreal. It’s a massive achievement,” Barham said.
The medal was first presented in 1954 and was won by Cec Cooper from Brothers.
See the full list of past winners here.
It was a good night for Emu Park, with Samartha Leisha named the Women’s Player of the Year.
It was also a special occasion for Paul Jensen, who was awarded life membership of Rockhampton Junior Rugby League after serving as president for almost 18 years.
Barham finished the year as the second-highest points scorer in the A-grade men’s competition.
The 20-year-old accumulated a host of points with his accurate goal-kicking, an aspect of his game he is always working on.
He said he was happy with the way he produced “good, consistent football”, rating his defence as probably his biggest asset.
“I really love footy, and I’m really enjoying it,” he said.
“Playing at hooker you’re the first person to the ball and it’s on you.”
Barham started playing league with All Blacks at age four.
He had stints with Fitzroy, the Rocky Tigers and Norths Knights before joining Emu Park, where he made his A-grade debut last year.
It was there he donned the number nine jersey for the first time after having played lock or in the halves previously.
Jason Field coached the club’s open women this year and took the reins with the A-grade men at the back end of the season.
He said Barham played a leading role in the men’s run to the finals, where they were knocked out in the preliminary final by Rockhampton Brothers.
“He’s a young fella coming of age,” Field said.
“He’s always been a good player but getting time in A-grade and learning off the more experienced players is really helping develop his game.
“His defence - he is one of the biggest hitters in the comp for not a very big guy - and his passing game off the ground are two of his strongest points.”
Field said Leisha’s award was well deserved.
“She had another great year. She went from the forwards into the halves for us and was dominant in that position,” he said.
“We had a very young side so her ability to communicate and direct them around the park was outstanding.
“She’s an asset to the club and she certainly wouldn’t look out of place in the NRLW if she chose to go that way.”
Rockhampton Rugby League’s major award winners for 2022
Ollie Howden Medal: Harry Barham (Emu Park)
Women‘s Player of the Year: Samartha Leisha (Emu Park)
Colt of the Year: Joshua Grange (Norths)
Female Rookie of the Year: Chloe Tipman (Rockhampton Brothers)
Reserve Grade Player of the Year: Kyle Russell (Norths)
Under-19 Player of the Year: Lachlan Kertesz (Biloela)
Male International Player of the Year (13-17 years): Ryan Keating (Yeppoon)
Female International Player of the Year (13-17 years): Laynie Sweet (Yeppoon)
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