Luke Yates gets NSW u16s players player

Luke Yates takes top honours with NSW Under 16's State of Origin win

Luke Yates has been judged the Players Player by his team mates after the Under 16's State of Origin Blues win over the Maroons before last night's main game.

After narrowly missing selection, and only days before the team left for Queensland, Luke was named as the 18th man at the last minute, and invited to join the squad for training sessions and workshops before last night's curtain raiser at Suncorp Stadium.

Luke helped steer his team to an 18-16 victory over Queensland on their home ground and his team mates recognised his contribution to their winning formula.

Father Mark took the last minute chance to see his son's career explode on the field, by driving to Queensland just in time to see Luke take to the field.

"Luke played a fantastic game of football, and understandably, he is elated with the recognition received from his team mates at the presentation last night," said Mark.

Newcastle Knights Strategic Development Manager, Keith Onslow said "considering up until yesterday morning he was 18th man, this is a great player story and real show of development for Luke."

The NSW Under 16's team will return to Sydney this afternoon where Luke will continue his passion for Rugby League in the Hunter region.