Issak caps off fine year with Nathan Sharpe Medal

Mon, Nov 18, 2019, 11:18 PM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
Issak Fines has taken out the Nathan Sharpe Medal. Photo: Rugby WA
Issak Fines has taken out the Nathan Sharpe Medal. Photo: Rugby WA

Incoming Brumbies halfback Issak Fines finished his time with the Force on a high, collecting the 2019 Nathan Sharpe Medal.

Fines, who has signed with the ACT franchise for 2020, edged out flyhalf Andrew Deegan and lock Fergus Lee-Warner to claim WA's top prize.

The scrumhalf had a breakout season with the Force, stepping up in the absence of injured skipper Ian Prior.

Fines didn't miss a beat in a successful 2019 for the WA team, who finished the year with plenty of silverware after taking out the Asia and Pacific Showcase tournaments and the 2019 NRC.

Coach Tim Sampson said Fines' consistency was his greatest weapon.

“This medal is based on consistency, and that was a strength of Issak. He stepped up for Ian who missed a lot of the season due to injury, week in and week out he offered us opportunities in the game when we needed to break the opposition open.”

Fergus Lee-Warner won the 2019 Force Rising Star award. Photo: Getty ImagesLee-Warner didn't leave the night empty-handed either, claiming the Matt Hodgson Rising Star Medal for his consistency in 2019.

“As a second-year professional player, Fergus is constantly improving,” Sampson said.

“He is a player that is hugely consistent, defensively he is outstanding, rarely misses a tackle and there is a huge future ahead for Fergus ahead at the Force.”

Samoa international Henry Stowers was voted the best of the NRC group after a strong showing in their championship-winning run.

“He had a good Rapid Rugby season, got called into the Pacific Nations Cup for Samoa leading into the World Cup, and just missed out on selection," Sampson said.

Then, for him to bounce back from that and have the NRC season that he did, it’s a huge effort and he deserves a lot of credit.”

Carlo Tizzano was voted the Members' MVP. Photo: Getty ImagesHulking flanker Carlo Tizzano, who will join the Waratahs in 2020, was voted the best of the Force by the members.

Prop Chris Heiberg was recognised for his off-field contributions, taking out the Geoffrey Stooke Force Man Award. 

“For the last few years Chris played tighthead for us, which is a foreign position for him," Sampson said.

"He just went with it and never shirked the work or questioned selections which shows the type of man he is.

“He does a lot of work out in the community, he is a huge club man and he is exactly the type of guy we want at the club and to represent the club.”

The Force last week released the schedule for the 2020 Rapid Rugby season, in which six teams will vie for $1 million prize money.

WINNERS

2019 Nathan Sharpe Medal night

Nathan Sharpe Medal

Issak Fines - 327

Andrew Deegan - 315

Fergus Lee-Warner - 307

NRC Player of the Year

Henry Stowers

Members’ MVP

Carlo Tizzano

Matt Hodgson Rising Star

Fergus Lee-Warner

Geoffrey Stooke Force Man Award

Chris Heiberg

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