The annual Colin Purcell Scholarship Award, to assist an Illawarra Junior Rugby League player in the first year of studies at University of Wollongong (UOW) has been won by Thirroul Junior Rugby League’s Will Olteanu (pictured).
Will has commenced a Bachelor of Psychology Degree at UOW. The former Bulli High School student becomes the fourth recipient from the Thirroul Club.
The scholarship was initiated by Illawarra Rugby League’s Centenary Committee during the 2010-11 celebrations. The committee invested funds with the University at that time, and subsequently increased to provide the recipient with $3,000 annually.
This year’s presentation was made to Will by Taryn McDonnell, Elite Athlete Program Manager, UOW.
Previous Winners
- 2021 – Keele Brown (Illawarra Tarsha Gale) and Benjamin Lavender (Illawarra SG Ball)
- 2020 – Chelsea Aylett (Woonona Bulli)
- 2019 – Riley Graham (Thirroul)
- 2018 – Jack Butler (Collegians)
- 2017 – Jackson Walsh (Collegians)
- 2016 – Riley Lord (Thirroul)
- 2015 – Max Bailey (Thirroul)
- 2014 – Brendan Woods (Wests)
- 2013 – Zack Baker (Wests)
Now Open | Apply for the IRL’s University of Wollongong College Australia Scholarship