New Zealand Rugby League congratulates Kiwi #779, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, on winning the prestigious IRL Golden Boot Award for 2019.

The Otahuhu Leopards junior is now recognised as the best current player in international rugby league, beating fellow Kiwis teammate Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Tonga star (and former NZ Kiwi) Siosiua Taukeiaho.

Roger is no stranger to success, the 2017 Kiwis Player of the Year was awarded the Dally M Player of the Year and Fullback of the Year in 2018, he also received Warriors Player of the Year this season, making history as the first player to win the award across three successive years.

Roger debuted for the Kiwis back in 2013 and to date has scored an impressive 14 tries in 20 tests totalling 56 points.

“I can’t think of anyone more deserving to receive such an accolade,” says NZRL CEO, Greg Peters.

“Roger has always worn the Kiwis Jersey with pride and this is reflected in his on-field performances and by his impressive and evergrowing list of accolades.

“We talk about the Kiwi Way and he completely optimises this, he acts as a role model to so many Kiwi kids not only in New Zealand but abroad and his impact on our game and those who play it is monumental.

“It’s exciting we have players of this calibre wearing the Black and White jersey and inspiring the next generation of Kiwis to come. We are extremely proud of Roger and all that he’s achieved and we can’t thank him enough for his ongoing dedication and service to the Kiwis jersey,” Peters concludes.

“Receiving this Golden award is a huge honour,” says Sheck.

“Thank you to all those who voted, the players in the shortlist are all world-class and I’m very honoured to have been considered alongside them.

“Putting on the Black and White jersey and representing my country is always a privilege and winning this Golden Boot award is a huge honour. Thank you to the IRL, NZRL and of course my family as without their love and support none of this would be possible. This year’s campaign has been one to remember, and although being away from my family was difficult, this makes it all worth it, this award is for them.”

 

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s key milestone achievements:

 

Dally M Winger Of The Year – 2013

RLIF Winger Of The Year – 2013

Dally M Fullback Of The Year – 2015, 2018

RLW Player of the Year – 2015

NZRL / Kiwis Player of the Year – 2017

Dally M Player Of The Year – 2018

IRL Golden Boot Winner – 2019

New Zealand's Favourite Sporting Moment finalists for 56th ISPS Handa Halberg Awards

Nine sporting highlights from 2018 have been shortlisted for New Zealand’s Favourite Sporting Moment – the only category voted for by the public at the 56th ISPS Handa Halberg Awards. For info on how to vote and to be in to win a trip to the #56thISPSHandaHalbergAwards go to https://www.halbergawards.co.nz/favourite-sporting-moment/

Posted by ISPS Handa Halberg Awards on Monday, 14 January 2019

This is your chance to have your say on the sporting moment that excited you the most in 2018. The winner of the Favourite Sporting Moment of the Year will be announced at the 56th ISPS Handa Halberg Awards, televised live on SKY SPORT on Thursday 21 February 2019.

The full list of New Zealand’s Favourite Sporting Moment of the Year finalists are:

  1. Nico Porteous and Zoi Sadowski-Synnott medaling at the Olympic Winter Games within two hours of each other (Pyeongchang)
  2. David Liti breaking a Commonwealth record and winning gold in the men’s 105kg+ weightlifting division at the Commonwealth Games (Gold Coast)
  3. Kelly Brazier scoring a long range solo try in extra time to secure gold for the Black Ferns Sevens against Australia at the Commonwealth Games (Gold Coast)
  4. Vantage Black Sticks Women penalty shootout over Olympic champions England in semifinal at the Commonwealth Games (Gold Coast)
  5. Amelia Kerr blasting a record breaking 232 not out against Ireland for the White Ferns, achieving the highest score in women’s ODIs (Dublin)
  6. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck receiving an impromptu haka after winning the Dally M Player of the Year (Sydney)
  7. Auckland Rugby winning the Mitre 10 Cup Premiership final after a dramatic finish in extra time against Canterbury (Auckland)
  8. Black Caps winning the first test against Pakistan by four runs (Abu Dhabi)
  9. Anna Leat’s successful penalty shootout against Japan, leading New Zealand into the semifinal of the Fifa Under-17 Women’s World Cup (New Zealand vs Japan, Uruguay)

How to vote:

Voting is now open for the Sporting Moment of the Year award.  You can vote once a day from now until 9.00pm on Thursday 21 February 2019, vote either online or by text.

1.            Online 

Vote at www.sportingmoments.co.nz

2.            TXT

Text your Sporting Moment’s unique code to 556 (standard txt charges apply):

  1. Txt SM1 to 556 to vote for Nico Porteous and Zoi Sadowski-Synnott
  2. Txt SM2 to 556 to vote for David Liti
  3. Txt SM3 to 556 to vote for Kelly Brazier
  4. Txt SM4 to 556 to vote for Vantage Black Sticks Womens Team
  5. Txt SM5 to 556 to vote for Amelia Kerr
  6. Txt SM6 to 556 to vote for Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
  7. Txt SM7 to 556 to vote for Auckland Rugby
  8. Txt SM8 to 556 to vote for Black Caps
  9. Txt SM9 to 556 to vote for Anna Leat

Everyone who votes for the Sporting Moment by 4 February 2019 goes in the draw to win a trip for two including flights and accommodation to the 56th ISPS Handa Halberg Awards at Spark Arena, Auckland on Thursday 21 February 2019.   Visit www.sportingmoments.co.nz to read the competition terms & conditions.

The Awards, held annually since 1963, are the brainchild of Olympic athletics champion Sir Murray Halberg (ONZ) to honour sporting excellence and as a major fundraiser for the Halberg Foundation – his charity which aims to enhance the lives of physically disabled young New Zealanders by enabling them to participate in sport and recreation.

The core work of Halberg Foundation includes a team of Advisers around the country who connect physically disabled young people to sport and recreation opportunities. The Halberg Advisers also deliver an inclusion training course on adapting physical activity and assist clubs, schools and organisations to provide inclusive events and programmes. The Foundation also hosts the Halberg Games – an annual national three-day sports competition for physically disabled young people.