21 February 2025
2024 was another standout year when it comes to rugby league in Aotearoa. With increased player numbers, and more volunteers, coaches and people engaged throughout the game, it was a year to be proud of.
Given the hard work and dedication shown by all, it has been another tough year in which to select the NZRL award winners for 2024. Our congratulations go out to those who have taken out the top honours.
NZRL CEO, Greg Peters, says, “It’s a proud moment when we’re able to reflect on all the outstanding achievements and contributions to rugby league throughout 2024.
“It’s evident that everyone’s dedication is helping our great game move forward in such a positive direction, and while we congratulate our award winners, we also thank everyone involved.”
Not about results on the pitch, the Club of the Year award is given to a club that has showcased NZRL values and contributed to their local community. In 2024, the Petone Panthers were that club.
By connecting with the community as well as re-engaging people back into the club – supporters as well as past players into the coaching and administration space – the Petone Panthers have created an inclusive environment where all are welcome. Marginalised groups have been provided with a space in which they have found a sense of belonging and mana. As well, the club has focussed on shifting their culture, changing it from an alcohol-centred culture to one based around whānau with a strong tikanga Māori kaupapa. Even participating in local beach clean ups, the Petone Panthers have been a strong presence in their community.
Kaiyah Atai had a standout year, showcasing her skills at the highest level both domestically and internationally. Atai was a part of the Sky Sport National Women’s Premiership winning team, the Akarana Falcons, before going on to represent the Cook Islands in the 2024 Pacific Championships, her second straight year. Her efforts didn’t go unnoticed, Atai deservedly signing on with the NRLW One New Zealand Warriors squad.
Fine Vakautakakala took home nearly every trophy in 2024. Not only was he a key leader in one of Te Atatu’s most successful seasons, but he was also a part of the Auckland Vulcans squad that took out the NZRL National Men’s Premiership title in golden point. With what he showed on and off the field, it is little wonder he went on to be awarded Auckland Player of the Year as well as Prop of the Year.
After a successful playing career, Charlotte Scanlan is now successfully navigating her way in the coaching arena. At the start of 2024, Scanlan was selected as one of 10 to take part in High Performance Sport New Zealand’s Te Hāpaitanga initiative, which aims to enable more women to pursue and maintain high-performance coaching careers.
After assisting the One New Zealand Warriors SG Ball Cup team in 2024, Scanlan took the reins of the Akarana Falcons women’s team. She guided the Falcons to victory in the Sky Sport National Women’s Premiership, an impressive run seeing the team unbeaten in their run into the final.
2024 was a busy year for Samson, her skills and experience seeing her take up a spot in teams representing her club, zone and her country. Samson took up the position of Co-Captain of the NZRL Ahi Kā Aotearoa Girls representative team in 2024, her leadership skills greatly adding to the team’s success in the Harvey Norman Women’s National Championships in Queensland.
As well, she was a part of the Counties Manukau team that went down in the close fought final of the Sky Sport National Women’s Premiership, and lined up for Papakura, the team taking out the final of the ARL Steele Shanks Women’s Premiership.
Bishop Neal’s rise continued in 2024. The second rower, who is a One New Zealand Warriors academy contracted player, came out strong at the NZRL National Secondary School’s Tournament. He helped take St. Thomas of Canterbury College to back-to-back titles, himself named as the Boys Premiership tournament MVP. As a result, he was also selected for the NZRL Schools team to take on the NZRL Clubs later in the year.
After being on the shortlist in 2023, another successful season for Feavers with the whistle has seen him take the top honours for 2024. Continuing to grow as one of our top officials, Feavers is racking up a list of on field achievements, including officiating the CRL Men’s Club Premiership final, at NZRL tournaments across the grades, and in NSWRL Harold Matthews Cup, SG Ball Cup, and the Jersey Flegg Cup.
Also, Feavers is passionate about developing the next generation of referees, mentoring a number of younger officials in 2024 giving valuable feedback and encouragement.
Displaying NZRL’s values each day, Cameron Tukapua is instrumental to the Eastern Eagles Rugby League Club. As well as being the club President, his commitment is showcased through ongoing coaching, helping foster young talent in the game, engaging wider family and support networks, promoting health and fitness, and more.
In congratulating Tukapua, Chris Bourke, CEO of Pirtek, describes him as a selfless volunteer and a true leader.
Grassroots Club of the Year – Petone Panthers Rugby League Club
Domestic Female Player of the Year – Kaiyah Atai
Domestic Male Player of the Year – Fine Vakautakakala
Domestic Coach of the Year – Charlotte Scanlan
Female Junior Player of the Year – Marewakiterangi Samson
Male Junior Player of the Year – Bishop Neal
Match Official of the Year – Jack Feavers
Pirtek Volunteer of the Year – Cameron Tukapua
