Ben Crawford named in league’s Team of the Year
Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League Team of the Year selectors have recognised the class of young Ballina Seagulls player Ben Crawford by naming him in the Retravision Northern League top team for 2008.
Although playing in a team which finished second-last, Crawford’s ability and never-say-die attitude shone through all season.
The highlight of Crawford’s season was selection as five-eighth in the Northern Rivers team for the Country Championships.
Crawford, pictured taking on former NRL star Nathan Blacklock (Group 19) at Ballina this year, is a Ballina junior.
He played much of this season at halfback for the Seagulls, but he is equally adept at five-eighth.
As expected, grand finalists Byron Bay Red Devils and Grafton Ghosts dominated selection of the Retravision Northern League Team of the Year.
The team is:
Fullback, Shannon Murphy (Cudgen); wingers, Tom Merrit (Byron Bay), Khan Williams (Grafton Ghosts); centres, Aaron Hartman (Grafton Ghosts), Clarence Kelly (Byron Bay); five-eighth, Ben Crawford (Ballina); halfback, Jared De Thierry (Byron Bay); props, Buddy King (Tweed Coast Raiders), Xavier Sullivan (Grafton Rhinos); hooker, Ben White (Murwillumbah Mustangs); second-row, Ben Hill (Byron Bay), Tom Freebody (Grafton Ghosts); lock, Andrew Maroney (Mullumbimby).
Coach: Col Speed (Grafton Ghosts).
