Team of the Year 2023: Five-Eighth
Congratulations to Matthew Woolnough of the Belconnen United Sharks for his selection at five-eighth in the 2023 Canberra Raiders Cup Team of the Year.
The Sharks had a strong season in 2023, making it all the way through the preliminary final, which was largely off the back of Woolnough’s elite playmaking.
Matt's commitment to Belconnen for a number of years is starting to pay dividends, as he has played an integral role in the Sharks making their first finals appearance in a decade this season.
The crafty five-eighth played 16 games and picked up 5 tries while having his hand in many more.
Playing off the hip of Woolnough, you’re bound to get put into space that he created, as he takes on the line and rarely gets a pass wrong.
His stand-out performances and importance for the Sharks this season didn’t go unnoticed, as he finished second in the McIntyre Medal voting, one vote shy of the winner Sam Williams.
Woolnough and the Sharks were genuine contenders for the premiership this year, they'll come into 2024 with confidence and look to elevate their game to the next level.
Team of the Year 2023
1. Ryan McQueen (West Belconnen Warriors)
2. Brandon Withers (West Belconnen Warriors)
3. Harry Quinlan (Queanbeyan Kangaroos)
4. Steven Numambo (Queanbeyan Kangaroos)
5. Jack Davison (Tuggeranong Bushrangers)
6. Matthew Woolnough (Belconnen United Sharks)
