Jackaroos vice-captains finalists for NSW Athlete of the Year
Australia’s two Jackaroos vice-captains, world number two Karen Murphy and reigning international bowler of the year Aron Sherriff, have been named as finalists in the Athlete of the Year category for the NSW Sports Federation 2013 Sports Awards. Karen and Aron are among five finalists for the coveted award; up against Cricketer Alex Blackwell, Canoe/Kayaker Jessica Fox and international swimming star James Magnussen. The award nomination stems from an unprecedentedly successful year for the Cabramatta queen of the greens and Ettalong Memorial world beater duo. Murphy won the 2012 World Champions singles and triples gold medals; the only player to top the table to two disciplines, clinched a record sixth Australian Indoor title, helped guide NSW to glory at the Australian Sides Championships, finished second in the Super 6 singles, went runner-up in Australian Open singles, claimed the National Champion of Champions singles and pairs titles and was named Bowls Australia’s Female Bowler of the Year for 2012. Sherriff helped steer the men’s fours to gold and the triples to silver medals at the World Championships, fell just short of his second Australian Open title; finishing runner-up in triples, was crucial to the Jackaroos success across the ditch in the traditional Trans Tasman and assisted the Blues efforts to reap all the major silverware from the Australian Sides Championships. Both Sherriff and Murphy will don new green and gold uniforms next month, when the pair line up for the BCiB Syndey Lions in the inaugural $100,000 Australian Premier League alongside National Coach Steve Glasson OAM. The Australian Premier League, held at Club Pine Rivers from November 19 to 22, will be broadcast live on Fox Sports from 5.00pm-9.30pm (AEST) each night. The NSW Sports Federation 2013 Sports Awards will be held on Thursday, November 28, but Murphy will miss the ceremony as she chases yet another title at the World Champion of Champions in Christchurch, New Zealand. Caption: Karen Murphy’s outstanding success on the world and national stage has earned her recognition as a finalist in the NSW Sports Federation 2013 Sports Awards.