Impressive contributions from the past Hastings Deering Colts season and past decade were celebrated at the recent Western Mustangs Colts Awards night.
Blake Cullen was crowned Mustang of the Year for 2019 after an inspirational under 20s campaign.
He led the way for the Mustangs as captain and tireless prop, earning the mantle as the club’s top player during the year.
Cullen played big minutes in the middle and emphasised his durability by missing just one game.
He also crossed for five tries during the season which is a decent tally for a front-rower.
It wasn’t quite as many as outside back Austin Jennings though, with his 17 tries helping him earn the Player’s Player honour.
In other awards, lock Liam Short was named as Best Forward and halfback Laurie Jocumsen Best Back, while Zac Stevens was named Clubman of the Year and versatile forward Jackson Mladenovic earned the Most Improved award.
The Western Mustangs also announced their first Life Member at the Colts presentation, with tireless servant Paul Reedy bestowed with the honour.
Reedy has been the driving force behind the Mustangs and previously the Toowoomba Clydesdales.
It has been a decade since Toowoomba and south-west Queensland started to be represented in the Cyril Connell and Mal Meninga Cups, and later the Hastings Deering Colts.
Reedy was there from the beginning and has held the Chairman and Deputy Chairman positions, with his dedication and devotion to the Mustangs unrivalled.
“Thank you, that’s such an honour. To be a life member, and the first one, I’m so proud,” Reedy said.
'What a Weapon!' - Patrick McGinn
The Mustangs announced their under 18s award winners soon after the conclusion of the Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup season.
Jordan Lipp took out the Best and Fairest award, while outstanding winger Pat McGinn collected the Player’s Player and Best Back awards.
Hooker Brandon Clarke was named Best Forward, Tom Rinaldis Most Improved and Dylan Brassel earned the Best Clubman honour.
