Written by Craig ‘Fizza’ Fear
There have only been two players to ever play 200 1st grade games for SUFC in its 154 year history. Rupert Rosenblum was our first in 1968, followed by Michael Griffin 34 years later in 2002.
This Saturday at Manly Oval, Tom Carter shall become our third when we play them in our 200th game between the two clubs.
Tom was born on 25.2.1983 in Young N.S.W.
He went to Knox College were he played 1st XV in 1999 and 2000.
Started in Colts in 2001 at SUFC. Made his Grade debut in 2nd Grade vs Manly in 2002.
Was picked in the NSW and Australian U/19’s in 2002.
Made his 1st Grade debut vs Penrith Round 2 in 2003.
Obtained his Rugby Blue in 2003.
Made his state debut vs Salta, Argentina in 2004.
Played Australian 7’s in 2003, 2004 and 2005.
2005 season saw Tom selected in the NSW Academy squad.
Made he’s Super 15 debut in 2008 were he played 76 matches and a total of 84 state games all up. Tom scored 95 points for NSW (all tries).
At the end of his career, he was the 17th highest point scorer for New South Wales.
In 2008 and 2009, Tom was the SUFC Treasurer and 2009 the Secretary.
Tom is one of 5 sets of brothers from SUFC who have played against the British and Irish Lions in 2013. Tom scored 2 tries in this game.
At the moment Tom is 3rd highest back (for most club games) in the clubs history. He is 3rd highest player with his 1st grade total games (for a back), and only the 8th player to reach 200 games.
He needs only 4 points to reach his 450 1st grade points.
He is one of 53 Uni players to ever play against the British and Irish Lions in the 152 year history.
Was one of nine NSW players from SUFC to play the British and Irish Lions in 2013.
Was also one of ten NSW players from Uni in a 23 man squad.
Was one of nine Uni players on the field at the same time in a Super 15 match vs Western Force. He was Captain this game.
Tom was one of the 12 players who were Super 15 players playing in the Shute Shield game against Norths at North Sydney Oval, back in 2013.
Tom has scored 495 1st grade points, 98 tries, 1 goal, 1 field goal. Also has 97 points in 2nd grade 17 tries, 6 goals, 4 pen goals. While his Colts points were 112 points, 14 tries, 15 goals, 4 pen. goals in 2002. We have no details of his 2001 Colts points. So total points for the Club are 729 plus 95 NSW is 824.
At this stage of his career, Tom is highest 1st grade try scorer in the clubs history pasting Michael (Sponge) Griffin who held the record of 89 since 2006. Tom is currently on 98 1st grade tries.
Ed Carter one of Tom’s two brothers hold a small record of the only brothers to kick a field goal in a 1st grade match. Funny enough Ed kicked his vs Wests at No.1 Oval on the 30.6.2001, while Tom almost to the very day kicked his vs Wests at No.1 Oval on the 28.6. 2014.
Both also scored 3 tries vs Penrith back in 2003.
Tom is one of only two players (to date) to have scored 3 tries on debut in 1st Grade.
He holds the record for most Grand Final appearances 13, ten of those in 1st Grade, two in 2nd Grade and one in Colts.
And the Carter brothers which includes Charles Jnr have the record for the most Grand Final appearances for the club (19).
Tom has over the years won numerous awards such as Best Back, Best & Fairest player 1st grade and player of the Finals awards etc, etc,etc.
Happy 200th 1st Grade game mate,
FIZZA