Shawn Blore captains NSW to victory in under-18 State of Origin
State of Origin captain Shawn Blore is on the well-trodden path to professional success after leading the young Blues to victory
Local Sports Stars
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REPRESENTING the state at rugby league’s highest representative junior level, Lethbridge Park’s Shawn Blore has captained three top-tier NSW sides to victory in the last 12 months.
Claiming victories in the NSW under-18 SG Ball competition and the under-18 State of Origin series, the semi-professional athlete, 17, was one of 20 players selected to play in the curtain -raiser before the main game held last month at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, successfully defeating Queensland 16-10.
News Local’s latest Local Sports Star nominee, who was recently contracted to the Penrith Panthers, oversaw another winning triumph in the Australian School Boys Cup last year.
The back rower also recently made a debut at NSW Rugby League’s Jersey Flegg Cup, a well-trodden path to professional status.
Despite his outstanding achievements, his father Kevin Blore said his son’s consistent appointments as captain highlighted his humble leadership.
“He’s a caring kid, he’s not much of a talking captain,” Mr Blore said.
“His style is to lead by example; he’s straight forward – ‘give me the ball and this is how we are going to do it’ and kids tend to follow him.”
The sports star also has the support of mum Itagia Blore, who gets up in the early hours to prepare training regimen meals.
“He’s a very clean footballer, he runs the ball hard; but his future is up to him now, he’s got to eat right, train hard, and do all the right things on and off the field,” Mrs Blore said.
“But we are very proud of what he has achieved.”
Prizes will be awarded to athletes aged 18 and under across four categories: Junior Sports Star Individual, Junior Sports Star Team, Young Sporting Spirit Individual and Young Sporting Spirit Team. There is also a Service To Sport category. Nominations close August 31. Details: localsportsstars.com.au/newslocal