Peter Benson Shield

The First Grade Players' player Award would later become associated with the now-late Peter Benson. 

Peter was a Pharmacist, originally from New Zealand, coming to Nepean via Grafton. 

In Grafton he was a local icon, playing 11 seasons, with his chemist outside Woolworths on Prince St. He would also play later for Eastwood before returning to Penrith's Golden Oldies, the Legless Emus. 

Peter was a skilful, rugged prop who represented NSW Country and captained Country Second XV. Peter's NSW representative caps included the opportunity to scrummage against his homeland when the touring All Blacks played a warm-up tour match against NSW Country before the 1971 Bledisloe Test matches. A challenge he must have been up for as reports were he not only held his own but had it over his countrymen at scrum time.

Peter played a part in the historic set piece "jersey up the jumper" move in their 1975 City v Country clash against Sydney.

He was great mates with fellow Kiwi 'Thommo' and was the club all-rounder; playing, coaching, and winning the coveted 'Iron Man'.