When East Campbelltown Eagles were knocked out of the semi finals of the 2015 Sydney Shield rugby league competition it meant they could not defend the title they won the previous season.
But they will still head into the 2016 season with at least one title: that of “best and fairest player’’ of 2015.
Their fullback, Ben Baker, blitzed the field in winning the prestigious award, which is part of the Brad Fittler Medal run by the NSW Rugby League.
Baker walked up to the stage to receive his award on September 14 in front of more than 700 guests, many of them rugby league royalty.
The award was just recognition for Baker, who had a superlative season even by his own lofty standards.
Ben blitzed the field in all the categories taken into account for the award: He was the leading point scorer with 252 points (26 tries and 74 goals), a gap of 56 points between him and the second place getter, who finished on 196 points for the season.
And Baker’s massive try tally of 26 tries for the season meant he had scored six more than anyone else in 2015.
Up on stage to accept his award, Ben Baker said:
“I would like thank my partner Emily and our fantastic kids.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“I would like to thank my mother for registering me in rugby league and being there for me every step of the way.[/social_quote]
“A big thanks to Daniel and Tammy Draper, and the coaching staff at East Campbelltown, especially Richard Barnes,” Baker said.
The Sydney Shield award adds to the already impressive list of accolades that Ben has received over the past years, such as:
• Group 6 Player of the year in 2011;
• Group 6 Leading try scorer in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012;
• Represented Group 6 for 5 years;
• Represented NSW Country in 2011.
Eagles coach Richard Barnes said: “I’ve coached against teams that Ben Baker played for, and no matter what team he played for, he always managed to score points.
“It’s great to have him in our side and I look forward in seeing Ben running around with the Eagles in 2016.”
