Young achiever has his eye on the major league
29 Jan 11 @ 05:54am by BRIAN KARLOVSKY
SMITHFIELD league star Jacob Gagan is used to trampling opponents and collecting the trophy.
But this year he will have to settle for a plaque after he was named as Fairfields 2011 Sports Achiever of the year.
The former Westfields Sports High student, 17, who has represented Australia at schoolboy level, said he was pretty happy about taking out the award and was looking forward to the awards ceremony. When I found out I was pretty excited, he said.
During 2010 Gagan represented Sydney southwest, NSW combined high schools, Parramatta SG Ball, NSW State of Origin and Australian Schoolboys. Gagan, who trains six times a week, is now playing in the under-20s Toyota Cup side and training with Parramatta Eels first grade.
Its good there. Some sessions are tough but its all worth it, he said. Its a bit more full-on now - there is no mucking around.
Leanne Solomons, who nominated Gagan, said his presence on the field had a positive influence and lifted the performance of others in the team.
The young tyro said he dreamed of a career in rugby league.
My goal is just to play well in the 20s this year and hopefully get a crack at first grade, he said.
