sentences:  It was later revealed that he played the latter part of the season with a shoulder injury that required surgery during the 2000 off-season.In 2000 Ikin was awarded the Australian Sports Medal for his contribution to Australia's international standing in the sport of rugby league.Ikin also considered playing for Wales in the 2000 Rugby League World Cup due to his Welsh heritage through his grandfather
  
  A mainstay of the Queensland State of Origin team, a further knee injury limited Ikin to just 6 matches in 2001 and ruined any chance of extending his Test record.