Inverell Highlanders have completed their 2026 season by holding their Presentation Night and awarding their star players for the year.
1st Grade Best and fairest award went to Anton Wright, Savenaca Bainimarama claimed the Reserve grade award while Kimberley O’Donnell was the Club’s women’s Best and fairest.
The Club Player of the Year was taken out by Tom Bucknell, Clubman of the Year was awarded to Ash Makim while Harry Newnham was presented his Central North Rugby Union Best & Fairest award while Justin Oakenfull was presented the competition’s Presidents Award on Grand final day at Quirindi.
Highlanders Awards 2026
Women’s Awards
Best and Fairest – Kimberley O’Donnell
Players Player – Kimberley O’Donnell
Coaches Award – Bridget O’Neill-Yee
Most Improved – Megan McIntosh
Robyn Makim Award (T) – Hard work & Dedication; Alice Gleeson & Ella Gleeson
Angela Clark Award (T) – Resilience & Courage; Kusitina Matawalu
Reserve Grade
Best and Fairest (T) – Savenaca Bainimarama
Most Improved (T) – Tex Raiova
Coaches Award (T) – Josh O’Regan
Players Player (T) – Savenaca Bainimarama
1st Grade
Best and Fairest (T) (B) Anton Wright
Most Improved (T) (B) Hamish Fraser & Will Apthorpe
Coaches Award (B) Harry Goddard
Players Player (T) Harry Newnham
Club Awards
Club Player of the Year; Tom Bucknell
Simon Clark Award Most consistent Player (T) Will McLachlan
Henry Elliott Award (T) Illisoni Tawase
Old Boys Player of the Year (T) Tom Apthorpe
Clubman of the Year (T) (B) Ash Makim
Most Spirited Player (T) Harry King
Services to Rugby (T) Laura Simpson
President’s Award (T) Anton Wright
CNRU Best & Fairest; Harry Newnham
CNRU President of the Year: Justin Oakenfull
