Shute Shield 2022: Catchpole medallist, rookie, coach, try scorer, point scorer awards, photos

This Ken Catchpole medal winner dreamt as a kid of being a pro rugby player and winning a Shute Shield for his beloved club. Now it’s a possibility before his life changes dramatically.

Hunter Wildfires Scott " Bubba" Coleman, Hunter Wildfires Phillip Bradford, Manly's Max Douglas, Warringah's Conor Hickey, Gordon's Reece MacDonald and Sydney University's Sean Hedger. Pic: Karen Watson

Rugby young gun Max Douglas is about to embark on a new chapter in his young rugby career with a Catchpole medal handing around his neck.

The 22-year-old, who won Rookie of the Year just two years ago, on Wednesday night snared the top player award after a season of success with the Manly Marlins in the 2022 Shute Shield.

But the next few games in the finals series could be his last for the Marlins for a while with Douglas leaving the Waratahs and in the final stages of a new contract negotiation.

Max Douglas in the local derby against Warringah. Pic: Karen Watson.

Douglas said he was unable to elaborate on the team or competition he was going to until negotiations are complete.

“I’m leaving the Tahs, it’s all just being finalised now,” said Douglas, also a runner-up for the Catchpole Medal in 2020.

“I grew up supporting the Tahs and it’s been special. Hopefully at some stage I’ll be back.”

The winners at the Shute Shield awards night. Pic: Karen Watson

Manly in their match against Warringah in July. Pic: Karen Watson.

It is understood the Player of the Year award went down to the final round last weekend where Douglas emerged as the winner after scoring a try in Manly’s 20-24 loss to Sydney Uni.

Manly take on minor premiers Northern Suburbs in their qualifying final showdown at North Sydney Oval on Saturday.

On a big night at Darling Harbour, another northern beaches young gun also won big.

Conor Hickey (Warringah), winner of the 2022 Charter Hall Shute Shield Rookie of the Year at the 2022 Sydney Rugby Union Ken Catchpole Awards Dinner. Pic: Karen Watson.

Conor Hickey from the Warringah Rats was named Rookie of the Year and heralded for his contribution to the Shute Shield side who are hosting Gordon at Pittwater Park in Sunday in their qualifying finals match.

Others winners included Gordon’s Reece MacDonald and Hunter Wildfires hooker Phillip Bradford.

Phillip Bradford (Hunter Wildfires) and Reece MacDonald (Gordon).

SHUTE SHIELD AND KEN CATCHPOLE MEDAL AWARD WINNERS 2022

The Dick Byres Referee of the Year, presented by Dick Byres (ex International ref etc) to DAVID CONWAY

The 2022 Roscoe Fay award for the highest points scorer in Shute Shield to REECE MACDONALD (Gordon)

Tim Horan (Wallaby) presented the award for the highest try scorer in the Shute Shield to PHILLIP BRADFORD (Hunter Wildfires).

The Charter Hall Community Spirit Award went to CHRIS HEDGE (Manly)

Wallaby legend Ken Catchpole.

David Brockhoff Coach of the year award, presented by Darren Coleman (Waratahs Coach and previous winner) went to SCOTT COLEMAN (Hunter Wildfires) and SEAN HEDGER (Sydney University)

Darren Coleman and Scott Coleman (Hunter Wildfires), joint winner of the David Brockhoff Medal

The Rookie of the Year award, presented by the previous winner Max Douglas, went to CONOR HICKEY (Warringah)

The Ken Catchpole Medal, presented by Mrs June Catchpole, was awarded to MAX DOUGLAS (Manly).

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