For Thirroul Butchers junior Jackson Smith, this week brought a moment he says he will never forget.
The University of Wollongong engineering student was awarded the prestigious University of Wollongong Col Purcell Illawarra Rugby League Centenary Scholarship.
The annual scholarship, introduced in 2012 as the final project of Illawarra Rugby League’s Centenary celebrations, plays a significant role in supporting and encouraging the future of Rugby League.
It aims to assist talented youth from the Illawarra and South Coast region to continue their studies at UOW.
The name chosen for the annual award—Col. Purcell Centenary Scholarship—is in memory and recognition of Colin Purcell, OAM’s contribution to junior rugby league in the region. Colin was made a life member of six local Rugby League organisations.
Col’s wife, Billie, also received a life membership from the Illawarra Junior Rugby League for her outstanding contribution.
This year’s award recognises not only Smith’s academic effort, but also his commitment to rugby league through the Illawarra Steelers and the Thirroul Butchers.
“It’s an incredible honour,” Smith said.
“I’m just extremely grateful. Knowing some of the previous recipients really elevates the significance of this award. To be chosen is special.”
Smith’s parents, Christine and Jeremy, were beaming with pride as they watched their son accept the scholarship.
“We’re really appreciative of the University of Wollongong and the Illawarra Rugby League for acknowledging Jackson,” Christine said.
“Every little bit makes a difference, whether it helps with tuition or just food for a month. More than that, though, it’s recognition of all his hard work.”
Balancing act
For the 19-year-old forward, the balance between study and sport hasn’t always been easy.
Now in the second semester of an engineering degree, Smith who completed his HSC last year at Holy Spirit College Bellambi, admits the demands of study and training can feel overwhelming at times.
“It’s definitely been a challenge, but I’ve learned to manage it,” he said.
“The past three years, I’ve been juggling training and full-time study. It’s tough, but you adapt. At the end of the day, I’m just grateful to have the chance to do both.”
That commitment has also been forged through his rugby league journey with junior club Thirroul and the Illawarra Steelers.
Playing in the Steelers SG Ball and Harold Matthews Cup competitions over the past three years, Smith says the experience has shaped not just his skills but his friendships.
“It’s been an incredible experience,” he said.
“It’s definitely developed me as a player, but the connections and bonds I’ve made with other players are something I’ll hold onto for life.”
Keys to success
His parents say that the balance between rugby league and his academic pursuits has been key to his success.
“Sport instils habits that are important for study too,” explained Jeremy.
“Discipline, hard work, consistency. Those things translate from the field to the classroom.”
For Smith, the recognition isn’t just his alone.
“There are too many people to thank, coaches, teammates, and especially my parents,” he said.
“Mum and Dad have been my rock the whole way. Their support has meant everything.”
Role model
His parents hope that their son’s story will encourage other young people to pursue their passions in both sport and education.
“We’d just say to parents, support your children in what they love,” Smith’s mother, Christine, a schoolteacher, added.
“If they love doing it, they’ll find success in their own way.”
For now, Jackson is focused on the road ahead, both on the rugby league field and in the lecture theatre.
“It’s been the best few years of my life,” he said with a smile.
“To play footy at a high level and study engineering at a great university, it’s a huge opportunity, and I’m going to make the most of it.”
Previous winners
2013 – Zack Baker (Wests); 2014 – Brendan Woods (Wests); 2015 – Max Bailey (Thirroul); 2016 – Riley Lord (Thirroul); 2017 – Jackson Walsh (Collegians); 2018 – Jack Butler (Collegians); 2019 – Riley Graham (Thirroul); 2020 – Chelsea Aylett (Woonona-Bulli); 2021 – Keele Brown (Illawarra Steelers – Tarsha Gale Cup) and Benjamin Lavender (Illawarra S. G. Ball); 2022 – Will Olteanu (Thirroul); 2023 – Michael Mouawad (Thirroul); 2024 Brendan Douglass (Helensburgh).
Pictured (L to R): Norm Bradshaw (Associate Director Advancement, UOW), Jeremy Smith, Jackson Smith, Bob Millward – OAM, Shaye Hiscocks (Philanthropy and Impact Specialist, UOW), Christine Smith
Words | Angelina Raula