Kangaroos Captain and five-eighth Darren Lockyer has been named the Australian Rugby League’s 2008 Harry Sunderland Medal winner for Australia’s international player of the year.
Lockyer secured the honour following the conclusion of the Rugby League World Cup, in which he led the Kangaroos to three impressive wins and was awarded man-of-the-match in the final.
The 31-year-old now joins the Kangaroos’ elite as a Harry Sunderland Medal winner, with previous winners including Team of the Century members John Raper, Ron Coote and Wally Lewis.
A former Australian team manager, league administrator and journalist, who was instrumental in coordinating the British Lions’ tours to Australia in 1928, 1932 and 1936, Sunderland is best known for his achievement of staging a 1933 exhibition match between Australia and England in Paris. The match led to the French becoming regular Kangaroo Tour opponents for years to come.
The 2008 Harry Sunderland Medal was awarded by the Kangaroos team coaching staff and management.
“Darren has made an incredible contribution to international Rugby League throughout his career,” ARL Chief Executive Geoff Carr said today.
“Even so, the Harry Sunderland Medal is awarded to the best player of each year’s international campaign.
“Darren’s World Cup performances showed us why he is still considered one of the very best players in the game today and he is a deserved winner of this year’s Medal.”
HARRY SUNDERLAND MEDAL WINNERS
1964 Johnny Raper, Australia v France
1966 Billy Smith, Australia v Great Britain
1967 Billy Smith, Australia v New Zealand
1970 Ron Coote, Australia v Great Britain
1974 Ron Coote, Australia v Great Britain
1979 Ray Price, Australia v Great Britain
1984 Wayne Pearce, Australia v Great Britain
1988 Wally Lewis, Australia v Great Britain
1992 Bradley Clyde, Australia v Great Britain
2004 Anthony Minchiello, Tri Nations
2005 Anthony Minchiello, Tri Nations
2006 Petero Civoniceva, Tri Nations
2008 Darren Lockyer, Rugby League World Cup
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