Jonathon Reuben crowned 'Mr NAIDOC'

by NRL

would like to congratulate Toyota Cup winger Jonathon Reuben on being named the Trainee of the Year at the ACT NAIDOC Awards ceremony that was held at the Vikings Club in Erindale last Saturday in front of a capacity crowd of 400.

In addition to this great achievement, Reuben was also named as the inaugural 'Mr NAIDOC' after recently completing a traineeship with the ACT Education and Training Directorate whilst juggling the budding star's heavy demands for the Raiders' second placed Toyota Cup side in the National Youth Competition.

As part of his awards, Reuben received a $500 bursary to support his educational, sporting and community activities.

"It's a great feeling and a big honour to get Mr NAIDOC of the ACT as well as Trainee of the Year," Reuben said.

"My family was really proud of me and they were a big support throughout the traineeship as well as my Coach at the Raiders Andrew Dunemann."

"It was hard juggling the traineeship with football training and very tiring going from work straight to training but it's very rewarding now that I've completed it."

"It's my dream to play in the NRL but not everyone makes it so it's very important to get qualifications like this behind you. I enjoy getting out to the schools as part of my Certificate in Government and working with the kids. I try to be a good role model for them and guide them in the right direction."

NAIDOC Director John Paul Janke, who presented Reuben with the awards, believes the honours Reuben received were strongly warranted given the incredible effort he put in. He also expressed how great a representative of the Raiders Reuben was whilst conducting his studies.

"Jonathon completed a traineeship with the ACT Education and Training Directorate in April 2012," said Janke.

"While completing his traineeship, he has demonstrated his dedication and commitment to all aspects of his life, including football career, completing his Certificate III in Government, complying with his workplace obligations and also gaining the experience he requires to further his career in the Education and Training Directorate. He aspires to not only be a professional footballer but also a teacher."

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