REFORMED young smoker Steven O'Keefe is reaping the rewards of kicking the habit.
Since quitting more than a year ago, 16-year-old amateur rugby league player Steven has won the player of the year award with his club and saved money to buy match tickets and take his girlfriend on holiday.
Steven, of Thornes Park, Rastrick, who plays for St Joseph's in Huddersfield, is a finalist in the UK Quitter of the Year 2004 awards.
And he could win £2,000 worth of holiday vouchers if he takes the national title.
It was a hard habit to break for Steven - who has smoked since he was 12 - because parents Jane and Peter, brothers Richard, 21 and Gary, 18, and friends all smoked.
But willpower and support from girlfriend Carrie- Ann Lee helped him.
"Everything has improved since I stopped. I'm hoping to get a scholarship to play for Huddersfield Giants," said Steven.
