Hunter Rugby Union: Country life calls for Anderson Medal leader Sam Callow

The former Kings boarder had spent two seasons at Sydney club Eastern Suburbs, featuring Shute Shield appearances, but wanted a change of scenery.

Maitland ended up being the port of call in 2021 via Cockatoos representative teammate Chris Logan.

"I went to Sydney, and being a country boy I was just sick of the big smoke," Callow said.

"And I just wanted to get back a little bit closer to home, which is Dunedoo, and a bit more country vibes."

The 23-year-old plumber has taken the opportunity with both hands and after the opening 10 rounds of the Hunter Rugby Union competition, leads the Anderson Medal count.

Callow has 12 votes in the best and fairest player award, four clear of fellow Blacks forward and 2015 winner Nick Davidson (8).

Logan, Dane Le Rougetel from Southern Beaches, Luke Simmons of Wanderers and Hamilton's Angus Brown (7) sit one point further back.

Callow said being on top of the charts was "unbelievable".

His experience in the state capital during 2019 and 2020, playing alongside a host of NSW Waratahs like Lalakai Foketi, Charlie Gamble, Mack Mason, Tom Staniforth and Ryan McCauley, only helped improve his own game.

"Just my knowledge of the game," he said.

"I probably went down there not thinking there was so much too rugby. I bring a bit of that back here and hopefully it's helpful.

"Especially in the set piece with line outs and scrums plus general play. How to make it easier for yourself and getting into the right spots."

Blacks coach Luke Cunningham says Callow has been a "huge pick up for us".

"He is a great competitor and has bought a level of professionalism with him after playing in Sydney," Cunningham said.

"He is a pleasure to coach. He leads all the drills at training and is a hard worker.

"It only took him a couple of games to find his feet and his role in the team and is now one of our leaders and is having more of an impact every week.

"Most importantly he is a great bloke and has fit into our club culture perfectly.

"He plays that typical hard rugged country style of rugby and loves a beer off the field.

"He compliments what we already had at our disposal in the forwards and, with what he can do with the ball, takes some attention of our other ball runners."

Maitland host Hamilton in a three-versus-four battle at Marcellin Park on Saturday.

The Blacks are four behind the Hawks on the ladder.

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