Fine futures await Jersey Flegg award winners

Two very fine players and impressive young men were the deserving winners of the Manly Jersey Flegg awards for season 2023.

Caleb Navale won the Russ Bull Best and Fairest award with Jamie Humphreys receiving the Players’ Players award at the Sea Eagles Presentation night on Monday.

Russ Bull was a life member of both the Manly Football Club and the Leagues Club and held the role of Football Club Chairman in the mid-80s.

Manly got off to a slow start in the Jersey Flegg before a change in coach and some solid results at the back end of the season saw them genuine finals contenders, only to fall two wins short of the top five to finish eighth.

Assistant Jersey Flegg Coach Nik Wolfgramm told the audience at the presentation that Navale had been the team’s most consistent forward all season. He finished with six tries from 20 games.

“Caleb showed great tenacity and mental toughness as a middle lock forward that came off the back of his hard work ethic at training,’’ he said.

“A very well-respected man, his team-mates could always look to rely on him in tough moments in games which demonstrated qualities of a great leader.

“Caleb finished the season as our leading player in run metres, post contact metres and tackles which is testament to his hard work at training to further improve his ability."

Wolfgramm added Humphreys had been a top performer all year in the Flegg, finishing with nine tries and 39 goals from his 10 games in between playing NSW Cup with Blacktown Workers.

“Jamie’s transition from half to hooker has seen him embrace the role well with the mindset to work hard at it and improve,’’ Wolfgramm said.

“Through his efforts on the field, he has shown his ability to put himself forward for his team-mates, whether it be defending under pressure and consistently turning up or making the most of his time attacking as a hooker, and at times, at lock, as a quality ball player.

“Off the field, Jamie is a respectful young man and is always willing to go out of his way to connect with others.”

Navale said there were plenty of fine qualities in Humphreys.

"Jamie is a real team man. He is always leading by example and is extremely skillful,'' he said.

"He is also a very good goal-kicker and consistently puts them over from the sideline. He doesn't get enough wraps for his goal kicking."