Gamble Named Comets Best For 2003

Source: North Queensland Cowboys Fan Arena

Rockhampton Leagues Club Central Queensland Comets stalwart Rex Gamble received the club's best and fairest award for 2003 on Friday October 10 at the Comets' annual awards night held at the Rockhampton Leagues Club. Gamble was one of many players in contention for the award after an improved 2003 campaign by the Comets with many players improving and impressing. The 26-year-old New Zealander said he only expected to have a good night supporting his team mates and was almost embarrassed when it came to accepting the award. While Gamble was shocked a lot of others were not as no one put in a bigger effort for the team then Rex in 2003 and it's hoped more players can take a similar attitude to that of the 1995 Junior Kiwi next season. The Players' Player award went to North Queensland Cowboys bound David Faiumu. The 20-year-old utility played in all of the Comets 22 games in 2003 and will look to do the same for the Cowboys in 2004. Rookie Of The Year went to 20-year-old prop Wayne Phillis. In 2003 Phillis moved all the way from Western Australia for his shot with the Comets and didn't disappoint. If there was work to be done Phillis would always put his hand up to do it. Phillis is one Comet the Cowboys will be keeping a very close eye on in 2004. Wayne will be joined at the Comets in 2004 by his brother Craig, who has just signed with the Comets after a man of the match performance for Western Australia against the Queensland Residents in September. The QLD Rail Performance award was given to the member of the QR Comets Development Squad who has shown the most potential in 2003 and it's no surprise it went to work horse John Bidgood. Bidgood stepped up for the Comets late in the season and was by far the most consistent of the Development players. He once again proved that the day after the awards picking up man of the match for the QR Comets Development Squad in their win against Wide Bay. Clubman of the year went to the Comets team manager Brad Perry who put in a tremendous amount of time and effort to make sure everything run smoothly in 2003 for the Comets. All in all it was a great night with some very deserving winners picking up awards and all looks promising for the Comets in the future with plenty of sponsors and their relationship with the North Queensland Cowboys going from strength to strength. Jamie Boon, Neale Crow and all the staff must be commended on a solid season that showed a lot of promise. From here, things can only get better.