Perched on a chair on the balcony of the Tamworth Magpies clubhouse, Colin Fogarty was not in a talkative mood.

A short time earlier, the 23-year-old loosehead prop had limped off a muddy Rugby Park during a clash against Albies - his right calf torn and his season over prematurely, just as it was getting really interesting.

Bearded, barrel-chested and forlorn, Fogarty politely declined the Leader's request for an interview after the game.

But two months later at the Magpies' presentation night outdoors at the Wests League Club, the wastewater treatment plant operator was more than happy to have a chat.

He had just won the club's quiet achiever award for his efforts on and off the field, a beautiful spring afternoon had segued into a great night, and he was among friends.

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