Acclaimed local sportsperson Stephen Raines was named Junior Sportsperson of the Year at the recent Australia Day awards in Collarenebri.
Stephen is 18 years old and has a passion for rugby, and talent that has been recognised in many ways.
Stephen and his family recently moved away from Lightning Ridge, but returned on Monday for the ceremony.
He counts himself blessed to receive the honour for his efforts in the sporting field.
He was selected into the NSW Under 16 Rugby Team (President's Cup Team) to play in Queensland.
He was also selected into the Schoolboys ARUNSW Team at the Australian Championships in Brisbane.
Stephen was awarded the Syd Sugarman (Best Team Man) award, and was named the Sydney Morning Herald Schoolboy Player of the Year.
He finished school last year, and is taking a year off to play rugby with North Sydney.
Along with rugby Stephen also enjoys water polo, horse riding and shooting.
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