The 2023 Illawarra Rugby League Centenary Scholarship to the University of Wollongong has been awarded to Thirroul player Michael Mouawad at a presentation at the Steelers Club on Thursday morning (6th June).
Michael was a former Bulli High School student studying for a Bachelor of Business Degree at UOW. He also has an impressive Junior Rugby League record with the Thirroul Butchers playing from Under 8’s through to the Under 18’s and representing Illawarra Steelers at Harold Matthews and Illawarra/South Coast Dragons in the Regional Championships.
Michael has also coached his club’s Junior Rugby League and Local Junior Basketball teams. The presentation was made to Michael by Renee Burton, Senior Manager Donor Relations, UOW.
The annual scholarship was introduced in 2011 as the final project of Illawarra Rugby League’s Centenary celebrations to assist and encourage our future Rugby League players from Illawarra and the South Coast region to continue with their selected studies at Wollongong University.
The name chosen – the Col Purcell Centenary Scholarship – is in memory and recognition of the contribution to Junior Rugby League by Colin Purcell, OAM, who was made a life member of six local Rugby League organisations.
Col’s wife, Billie, also received a life membership from Illawarra Junior Rugby League for her contribution to the game.
Michael Mouawad becomes the fifth recipient of the annual scholarship from the Thirroul Club. The previous winners are 2013-Zack Baker (Wests); 2014- Brendan Woods (Wests); 2015 – Max Bailey (Thirroul); 2016 – Riley Lord; 2017 – Jackson Walsh (Collegians); 2018 – Jack Butler (Collegians); 2019 – Riley Graham (Thirroul); 2020 – Chelsea Aylett (Woonona-Bulli); 2021 – Keele Brown (Illawarra Tasha Gale) and Benjamin Lavender (Illawarra S. G. Ball); 2022 – Will Olteanu (Thirroul).