To kick off 2017, we take a look at some of the up-and-coming male and female stars who will hope to represent NSW this year and in the future. Today we look at one of the best players in SG Ball last year: Sean O'Sullivan.
As the NSW Under-18s State Player of the Year, there is already plenty of expectation on Sean O’Sullivan.
The crafty halfback was a mainstay for the Penrith Panthers in the SG Ball competition this year, captaining the side to the premiership and victory in the Under-18s National Junior Final. A goalkicker and talented playmaker, he steered the side around the park all year before returning to his junior club. He would go on to earn four games in the Holden Cup throughout the year, but with usual halves Dean Blore and Tyrone May ahead of him, along with Nathan Cleary in the early rounds, O’Sullivan was always unlikely to secure regular game time. His selection in the NSW Under-18 team, however, proved to be a good one.
O’Sullivan’s kicking game was on song throughout the junior Origin match, while he proved his worth in defence as NSW held their opposition scoreless. There were a number of solid performers in the match, but O’Sullivan would be judged the best when awarded the Player of the Year at the NSWRL’s Brad Fittler Medal awards. He would also earn selection in the Australian Schoolboys side to take on England Academy in August, when he amassed 18 individual points in the 50-26 victory.
O’Sullivan has already showed his raw talent and at 18 years of age needs to continue his development into a regular Holden Cup player next year. NSW Under-20 selection will also be a goal as he continues to grow as a playmaker.
