Auckland joy at NZRL Awards

Auckland joy at NZRL Awards

February 11, 2018

Auckland Rugby League Media

For immediate release

Auckland players claimed the major prizes at the annual New Zealand Rugby League Awards held on Saturday, February 10.

Otahuhu Leopards junior Roger Tuivasa-Sheck scooped the Kiwis Player of the Year Award, following a number of strong performances in the Kiwis' disappointing 2017 World Cup campaign.

The supreme women's award was won by Manurewa Marlins star Apii Nicholls-Pualau, who capped a fine year in which she won the Farrelly Photos Auckland Women's Premiership, before going on to make her mark in the Kiwi Ferns' No.1 jersey at the Women’s World Cup.

Nicholls-Pualau's achievement is even more admirable when you consider she was making her international debut at the tournament, after being called up to replace long-term Kiwi Ferns custodian and Manurewa teammate Sarina Fiso.

Nicholls-Pualau spoke of the honour of being named alongside 2017 Women's World Cup Player of the Tournament, Teuila Fotu-Moala, and last year's Auckland Rugby League Women's Player of the Year, Krystal Rota.

“I’m honoured to even be considered alongside players such as Teuila and Krystal, let alone to win this award," she said.

“There are a lot of people I have to thank for their ongoing support including my incredible family – without them there is no way I could have dedicated as much time as I have to the sport I love."

Other Auckland winners at the awards included veteran referee Chris McMillan and Ellerslie Eagles and Saints Paul's College back-rower Christian Tuipulotu (Domestic U16 Player of the Year). Tuipulotu was last year named the SAS College Rugby League Player of the Year.

Auckland players Isaiah Papali’i (Junior Player of the Year) and Tyler Slade (Domestic U18 Player of the Year) also took home silverware.

Full list of NZRL Award winners:

Female Volunteer – Chantez Connor (Otaika Eagles)

Male Volunteer – Jack Newson (Hornby Panthers)

Grassroots Club – Taniwharau

Domestic Coach – Morgan Kutia (Waikato)

Referee – Chris McMillan (Auckland)

Domestic Player 16s – Christian Tuipulotu (Auckland)

Domestic Player 18s – Tyler Slade (NZ Warriors)

Domestic Player Premier – Aaron Jolley (Hamilton City Tigers)

Junior Player – Isaiah Papali’i (NZ Warriors)

Kiwis Rookie – Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Melbourne Storm)

Women’s Player – Apii Nicholls-Pualau (Manurewa Marlins)

Kiwis Player – Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (NZ Warriors)

ENDS

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