HE had to suffer the disappointment of missing out in two under 18 grand finals this season, but Bathurst Panthers talent Nathan Ward can most certainly rate 2019 as success.
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Ward was skipper of the under 18 Western Rams side which made it to this year's Laurie Daley Cup decider in March, but ultimately missed out on being crowned Country Champions as they fell 34-18 to Illawarra South Coast Dragons.
Then earlier this month on a club level, Ward was part of the Bathurst Panthers under 18s outfit which suffered a 20-8 loss to fierce rivals St Pat's on Group 10 grand final day.
Though Ward naturally would have loved to lift both of those trophies, last Friday at the Bathurst Panthers' presentation night he snagged a pair of prestigious awards.
Ward was not only named the under 18s best and fairest, but he was presented with the Guy Weeks Memorial Trophy for the junior player most likely to become a regular in premier league.
It is a trophy that the likes of Doug Hewitt and Brent Seager - now stars of the Panthers' top grade side - have won in the past.
"I wasn't really expecting it, it was a bit of a bonus, but it was very good to play with those first grade lads, really good experience," Ward said.
"I got five games which was pretty good and I started one game. It's a lot quicker in first grade, but I think I was used to it due to playing down in Sydney a little bit."
As for the under 18s award, Ward was surprised to win that as well given some of those who played alongside him this year.
"There are a couple of super stars in the team - Noah Griffiths and Brad Fearnley - they are very good players so I wasn't expecting it, but it was a good season with the lads," he said.
"It wasn't the greatest finish, but we did alright for the season to go through to where we did. We would've liked to finish on top in the grand final, but you know, things happen."
While Ward said he would love to pick up a contract with an NRL club for next season - he has previously spent time at Cronulla - if he remains in Bathurst he will target becoming a member of the premier league side.
"If I'm here next year for sure I'd like to crack first grade, to get the opportunity to play alongside star players like Jack Siejka and Doug Hewitt," he said. "You try to perform at your best when you play with those guys, it pushes you a fair bit."
But before Ward cements his plans for season 2020, he has another rugby league challenge which could impact his future.
Come November 16 he will head to England as part of the NSW Country under 18s side and the games Ward will play on the two-week tour are a chance to further showcase his skills.
"We haven't really spoken about any goals yet, but we've just got to perform well and hopefully us Country boys can prove ourselves and it might help us find a club down in Sydney," he said.
"Hopefully we can show that we can do it ... It should be good, it is very special to play for country."
