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Hibiscus Coast Raiders fullback Korey Craig has been recognised with two top honours from Auckland Rugby League, being named both Sharman Cup Player of the Year and Fullback of the Year.
Craig had an outstanding season, running in 38 tries. Although the Raiders lost to the Ōtara Scorpions in the final minutes of the Grand Final, the strong performance of the team over the season saw Craig and teammate Sam Waterworth called up to the Auckland Vulcans team.
“It was a bit disappointing not to win the competition after going unbeaten all season, but the Scorpions played better on the day,” Craig said.
Other Raiders to be recognised in the awards were Kavana Tekiri-Ryan, named Second Rower of the Year; Notana Snowden, Halfback of the Year; Sam Waterworth, Loose Forward of the Year; and Jay Sharples, recognised as Volunteer of the Year.
Craig, a 26-year-old Stanmore Bay resident credits the lift in his form this season to 18 months in Australia, where he played a pre-season with the Central Queensland Capras.
“This year has been the best I’ve had at Raiders. We have built a brotherhood there, especially as many of us have grown up together and played tag and juniors together, so we have that chemistry with us when we play.”
Balancing league with full-time work as a landscaper, Craig’s commitment to the game is clear, especially now as he moves straight into the national competition with the Vulcans.
He says is still building his game and skills and hopes his Auckland selection will prove a stepping stone towards a shot at a Warriors position.
“Hopefully if I play well, I’ll get the chance to do a pre-season with the Warriors.”
Craig is also keen to help develop the Australian academy-style system on the Coast to build up the junior levels.
“Unfortunately, we don’t have a lot in the younger grades, but we have a lot from 18-years onwards. But the earlier you start the better, as it really builds your confidence.”
Getting to this level would not have been possible without his family’s support, Craig says.
“My dad Kelly has always kept me accountable, and my mum Nicole is my number one supporter. My brothers and I were always outdoors, pushing each other and making each other better. Kacey, my sister, believes in me and pushes me to be better as well.”
Hibiscus Coast Raiders chair Seth Gleeson says Craig’s time in Australia honed his skills. “It’s a testament to his character that he has chosen to return to his family club instead of playing at a higher level,” Gleeson says. “Both Korey and his brothers are a real asset to our club, on and off the paddock, and we feel really fortunate to have him as a Raider.”
At the recent Hibiscus Coast Raiders prizegiving, Korey was also awarded the Ken Stirling Cup for Prems MVP, the Shaun Johnson Trophy for Top Try Scorer, and the Taylor Reinforcing Trophy for Players’ Player (as voted by his teammates).
Junior Club Captain Jay Sharples, being named ARL Volunteer of the Year, was well deserved, Gleeson says.
“Jay has worked tirelessly, ensuring our juniors are well looked after on and off the field, and he is loved by everybody around the club.”
