St George Illawarra Dragons winger Jason Nightingale has been honoured for his academic work by being named in the NRL-RLPA Academic Team of the Year on Tuesday.
The New Zealand international is part of the Dragons Graduates of League program and presently undertaking a Bachelor of Business at the University of Wollongong.
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Furthermore, Dragons National Youth Competition team five-eighth Adam Clune has been named in the NYC equivalent team for undertaking a Bachelor of Law as well at the University of Wollongong.
“It’s very important for players to have the opportunity to be able to be involved in either study or undertake a trade as it sets them up for life post football,” said Nightingale.
“I believe both my rugby league as well as degree complement each other in helping me try and maintain a balanced lifestyle.”
NRL-RLPA Welfare and Education Committee member Mark Coyne said that education and workplace training was important for progression in the workforce.
“We have a wonderful group of incredibly successful NRL players here today who have shown that both commitment to the game and study are achievable,” said Coyne.
“Not only are these players a credit to themselves but are also an inspiration to all other young players showing that they too can balance further studies and a Rugby League Career.”
“I would like to congratulate not only NYC players who have achieved a place on the team today, but all NYC players who are part of the game’s new generation committing to both a career in football and further studies.”
