Page 14 - Grassroots Edition 8 - September - 2015

ARL PREMIER AWARDS

Mangere East halfback Raymond Talimalie was
named Auckland Rugby League Player of the Year at
the Annual Premier Awards Evening on Wednesday
night.

In a season where Talimalie was the standout star for
his Hawks side in the Appliance Shed Fox Memorial
Premiership, he also made his debut for the Auckland
representative side and stepped up to play in the
NSW Cup with the Vodafone Warriors.

The 21-year-old beat out challenges from Pt
Chevalier forward Pakisonasi Afu and Otara captain
Uila Aiolupo for the gong, which is decided by a
combination of club-nominated Player of the Day
votes and 3,2,1 best and fairest points from referees.

A member of the 2013 Melbourne Storm U/20 side,
Talimalie said he was aiming to re-launch his career
after returning to Auckland for family reasons at the
start of last season.

"I am stoked and just so proud, but if it wasn’t for
family and everyone around me this year I wouldn’t
be here," Talimalie said from the function at
Alexandra Park in Auckland.

"I have just had more confidence in myself this
season and have been playing what is in front of me
and doing the best I can.

"Hopefully something does pop up soon in terms of a
contract at a higher level. Right now is just about
working hard, getting to my peak and going from
there.

In other major awards given out on the night
Richmond playmaker/dummy-half Georgia Hale
capped off a breakout year, in which she debut for
the Kiwi Ferns at the NRL Auckland Nines, by
winning the Women's Player of the Year award.

A constant force for the Roses this season, Hale has
helped the side through the regular season to
challenge traditional heavyweights Papakura and
Manurewa for the women's title in 2015.

"I didn't expect this at all but it has been a very
rewarding year and I think all of the hard work has
paid off," Hale said.