POCOCK EARNS SPORTS STAR NOMINATION

Emirates Western Force vice-captain David Pocock could add to his impressive list of achievements in 2010 after being revealed as one of the nominees for the prestigious West Australian Sports Federation ‘Sports Star’ award which will be presented on Thursday, 16 December at a gala event at Burswood.

Pocock continued his development as world class loose forward and wielded significant influence as a starting member in each of the Wallabies tests this year. His ability to influence a match with tireless work at the breakdown was recognised with the John Eales Medal as Australia’s best performed player. The 22 year old was also one of just six nominees for the International Rugby Board ‘Player of the Year’.

While injury curtailed a large chunk his 2010 domestic campaign for the Emirates Western Force, his return in round eight inspired the club to its maiden win of 2010 and a much improved second half of the season.

Meanwhile young WA prop Gary Neugebauer has been nominated in the ‘Junior Sports Star’ category following his efforts in the Australian Schoolboys side.

The young front rower was a standout for the West Australian State side at the Australian Schools Championships and earned a place in the national team that toured New Zealand in September and October.

Neugebauer, a Hale School student, started at loosehead prop in three of the five tests on tour and scored a try against Samoan Schools. He was the only West Aussie in the 26-man squad.

Congratulations to Pocock and Neugebauer on their nominations and hopefully both can join James O’Connor as a winner at the event after the Emirates Western Force young gun took home the Special Achievement Award in 2009.

Award Categories
The West Australian ANZ Sports Star
Junior Sports Star
Channel Seven Perth Team of the Year
KPMG Coach of the Year
Gibson & Gibson Lawyers Official of the Year
Skilled Service to Sport

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