Carter and Parr Hay Magpies best

By Krista Schade

Hay Magpies Rugby League Club crowned Simon Parr and Jessie Carter as their best and fairest winners for the 2023 season.

The season standouts were announced at the club’s presentation day held in the grounds of Bishop’s Lodge Historic House on Saturday.

It was a tight tussle for the top three players of the year in the league tag squad. Hannah Stewart placed third on 49 points, who’s kicking accuracy attracted the attention of spectators throughout the season.

Zoe McRae’s defensive efforts earned her the runner up award, on a total of 50 points. McRae regularly topped the tagging tally, and her speed was a thorn in the side of opposition teams.

Carters point total of 54 saw her take home the best and fairest award for the first time in her stellar career.

Carter has regularly featured in Group 20 and Riverina sides, playing both league tag and rugby league at the representative level.

She worked with coaching co-ordinator Neil-John Nisbet to get the team to the finals series this year.

Simon Parr backed up his 2022 best and fairest gong with back-to-back wins. A veteran of the Magpies and South City Bulls (Group 9 - Wagga Wagga) Parr was a clear winner on 41 points, ahead of runner up Jock Crighton on 30.

Parr was a leader on and off the field this season, making valuable metres with every ball carry and halting many attacking runs, but also mentoring younger players, with his years of experience coming to the fore.

Crighton battled injury throughout the season and fans will be keen to see him perform at his full potential in season 2024.

Powerful workhorses James McLean and Orisi Rokobati rounded out the top three, on 13 points, to share third-place honour.

Full Hay Magpies awards coverage in next week’s Grazier.

Below: Jessie Carter and Simon Parr took out Hay Magpies best and fairest awards. Images: The Riverine Grazier / Krista Schade