Sea Eagles duo Lachlan Croker and Jake Trbojevic have capped off a fine season with awards from Charles Sturt University in Bathurst that recognise their academic and sporting achievements in 2024.
Croker, who studied a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science degree and a Masters of Teaching (Secondary) degree, received the prestigious Vice Chancellor's Sporting and Academic Excellence Award, recognising the dedication, commitment and ability to achieve excellence in both the sporting arena and academic pursuits.
Trbojevic, who studied a Bachelor of Educational Studies degree, received a Sporting Blue award after captaining NSW to a 2-1 victory in the epic 2024 State of Origin series.
This is the pinnacle of sporting achievement at Charles Sturt University, awarded to student athletes who have achieved the highest level of sporting excellence in their chosen sport, and who are a person of outstanding character and values.
Through this awards program, the university community is able to celebrate the contributions, achievements and sporting excellence of its student athletes, sporting clubs, teams and programs.
“Both Lachlan and Jake are great examples of players being able to balance off field career interests as well as playing rugby league at the highest levels," said Paul Heptonstall, Senior NRL Wellbeing and Education Manager.
"The support provided by the Manly club, the NRL and RLPA in the way of education grants, careers coaching and mandatory time in the training schedule for education have created a culture whereby doing something away from the field has become the norm and not the exception."
Croker was a member of the Academic Team of the Year announced in August as part of the 2024 Wellbeing and Education Academic Excellence Awards.
The annual awards celebrate academic achievement, leadership and excellence across the NRL and NRLW competitions.
