Congratulations to Ryan McQueen (West Belconnen), Joel Ambrose (Woden), Matthew Woolnough (Belconnen United) and Mitch Shaw (West Belconnen) for their selection on the bench in the 2022 Canberra Raiders Cup Team of the Year.
These selections on the interchange bench round out the 17-man side for the 2022 Team of the Year.
Ryan McQueen - West Belconnen Warriors
Ryan had an outstanding season with the Warriors, co-coaching the club to a premiership in his first season at the helm.
McQueen predominantly played fullback but filled a role in the halves numerous times, showcasing his versatility.
An experienced footballer, McQueen's playmaking and awareness are incredible, where the fullback was instrumental for the Warriors this season.
Most notably, his man of the match performance in the 2022 Grand Final solidifies his selection in the side.
Joel Ambrose - Woden Valley Rams
Ambrose earns his selection in the Team of the Year after the outstanding season he had in the front-row for Woden in 2022.
In who you would think is an undersized forward, Joel is a fearless competitor who plays with his heart on his sleeve.
Particularly in an injury-riddled Woden outfit who lost some experienced forwards to season-ending injuries, Ambrose never failed to put his hand up and outwork his rivals.
Matthew Woolnough - Belconnen United Sharks
Having been at the club since 2018, Woolnough has become one of the senior players at Belconnen United and had a breakout season.
Matt finished sixth in McIntyre Medal voting, being instrumental in attack for the Sharks, along with crossing for seven tries in 16 matches.
Woolnough is rewarded with selection after his impressive individual season with the Sharks in 2022.
Mitch Shaw - West Belconnen Warriors
Shaw may be the unsung hero of the West Belconnen Warriors, bringing incredible impact off the bench for the premiership winning side.
Not to withstand the impact the rest of the Warriors' bench brought in Logan Reis, Harrison Whatman and Kirren Roughley, they made an important difference once they took the field.
Shaw's work rate is enormous and consistently finishes a game with double digit hitups and tackles, earning selection in the last spot in the Team of the Year.
Billy Thomson: Coach - Woden Valley Rams
Billy Thomson is named coach after he won the Don Furner Senior Shield for Coach of the Year at the 2022 McIntyre Medal Awards.
Thomson claimed the award after his fellow first grade coaches voted at the conclusion of the regular season.
Thomson led the Woden Valley Rams to a second-placed finish this year, which was a major turnaround after the club finished last in 2021.
Team of the Year 2022
1. Mathew Parsons
2. Brandon Withers
3. Jake Butler-Fleming
4. Ryley Thomas
5. Kieran Reilly
6. Terry Campese
7. Robert Roberts
8. Zac Saddler
9. Liam Oakley
10. Manu Vanisi
11. Ron Leapai
12. Jesse Martin
13. Darby Medlyn
14. Ryan McQueen
15. Joel Ambrose
16. Matthew Woolnough
17. Mitch Shaw
Coach: Billy Thomson
