WHEN CSU first XV captain Sam Chamberlain arrived at his club's presentation night his plan was to announce he was leaving the club - instead he ended up committing to another campaign.
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The humble and hard working number 8's desire to win another New Holland Cup premiership with the students is strong after COVID-19 forced the abandonment of this season's grand final.
Being denied the chance to play Parkes in the decider - the Boars were declared premiers after being first to qualify - gave Chamberlain a feeling of unfinished business.
But the bigger lure for Chamberlain was to continue to build a club he has represented for five seasons.
"I was planning on not coming back next year, I was going to announce it at preso, but I did the complete opposite and announced I will be back next year," he said.
"I knew it was going to bloody happen," he laughed.
"I want to continue being part of the club, help build things in the right direction, help build a good foundation for the club and bring some more local players into the club. I hope I can help make it even more of a family club.
"It's definitely been one of the best years I've had at CSU even though we didn't get to play in the grand final. It's just a great bunch of blokes and a good effort all round from the whole club."
While Chamberlain's decision was a big bonus to come from Saturday's presentation, the skipper had more to celebrate.
He was named in CSU's 2021 merit team consisting of the best performers across first grade, second grade and the women's outfit. He picked up the first XV players' player award and Chamberlain was named the clubman of the year.
"I'd say the clubman of the year is the one I was most proud of, it's really good to be acknowledged for all the effort and time I've put into the club this year, it's nice to know that it's appreciated. It's a pretty prestigious award," he said.
"Players' player I'm proud of that too, it's good to be acknowledged by the boys each game."
Though Chamberlain said stepping up to captain CSU this season, as well as taking on the second grade coaching job, was not a huge change given he always tries to lead by example, a former team-mate heaped praise on him.
Former hooker Anthony Nougher, who was there in 2019 when CSU won the New Holland Cup, was delighted to see Chamberlain pick up a swag of awards.
"I was actually at university when he first started and I've watched him blossom," Nougher said.
"It's an incredible story Sam Chamberlain coming from the Orange Emus to Mitchell Rugby and what he's done, the club would not be the same, would not be what it is, without him.
"There's people in the world who will do two good things and they'll tell you about those two things, then there are people who do 100 good things and won't tell you about any - that's Chambo. He's just unbelievable."
It was flanker Lachie Melville who picked up the best and fairest award for the first XV and his skipper felt he was a most deserving winner.
"He's a bloody workhorse on the field, he doesn't stop all day. I think it was well deserved him getting that award," he said.
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