FORMER Group 20 footballer Josh Charles has been rewarded for a string of stellar performances for the Newcastle Rebels at the NSW Country Rugby League Championships.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Griffith junior was selected in the 18-man Country First side to tour Samoa in October following Newcastle’s 23-12 win in the championship final at Camden on Saturday.
After leading 10-2 at half-time, Newcastle conceded two quick tries to trail 12-10.
Defending champion Illawarra had all the momentum, but the Rebels, led by hooker and man-of-the match Chris Adams, found a way back.
Prop Brendan Simpson crossed for a converted try to regain the lead in the 60th minute.
Cal Richardson – who switched from wing to fullback midway through the game – crossed to extend the margin to 22-12 in the 73rd minute before Brad Murray iced the win with a field goal.
Charles will be joined by eight of his Newcastle teammates in the Country First side.
“We got nine in the Country side and were unlucky not to get a couple more,” Rebels coach Todd Edwards said.
“I can’t praise the boys enough. Their attitude and professionalism has been first class since the first training session in April. They have been a pleasure to coach. We had to do it tough today. We made a good start but when Illawarra hit the lead we had to find something. To the boys credit they lifted.”
Charles – who plays for the Lakes United Seagulls in the Newcastle competition – has been selected on the wing for the representative side.
