2022 South Sydney Annual Player Awards

3rd September 2022

George Piggins FG Player Of The Year - Junior Tatola

Rabbitohs front rower Tevita ‘Junior’ Tatola has been awarded the Rabbitohs’ highest individual on-field honour tonight (Saturday), being crowned the 2022 George Piggins Medallist as the Club’s best and fairest player of the year. Tatola, 25, has had his best season to date in the cardinal and myrtle of the Rabbitohs in 2022, becoming the forward-leader of the Club and stamping himself as one of the best front rowers in the game, both in attack and defence. So far this season with a Finals Series still to be played, Tatola has played 23 games, scored four tries, made 46 tackle breaks, run for over 3100 metres with almost 1300 of those being post-contact and averaging 135 metres per game, as well as making 625 tackles. Tatola has really come out of his shell in 2022 and has become the guiding light for the Rabbitohs’ forward pack. His late footwork makes defenders miss and his size strength allows him to bend the line each time he takes on the opposition with ball in hand. His defence has also improved in 2022, using his tackling as an attacking option when without the ball. Junior also represented Tonga this year in the mis-season Pacific Test series and will be up front for Tonga at the end-of-season World Cup. This is the first time Junior Tatola has won an award at the Red and Green Ball season celebration, and to make that first award be the player of the year medal is quite an achievement. The best and fairest award is named after Rabbitohs club legend George Piggins who was a Premiership-winning and international player, coach and official over a four-decade period. He was also one of the leading figures in the Club’s fight for reinstatement to the National Rugby League in the early 2000s. Tatola was presented with the George Piggins Medal by Mr Piggins and Rabbitohs Head Coach Jason Demetriou. Congratulations to Tevita ‘Junior’ Tatola on taking out the George Piggins Medal for the 2022 season.

Jack Rayner Players Player Of The Year - Campbell Graham

Rabbitohs centre Campbell Graham has won one of the most prestigious awards at the South Sydney Football Club for season 2022, being presented with the Jack Rayner Players’ Player award at tonight’s (Saturday’s) Red and Green Ball. Graham has been judged by his peers as the season’s best player, recognition held dear by any sportsperson as it is awarded by their team mates. Graham is touted by many pundits as the best defensive centre in the game. Known as ‘Stretch’, he has won this award having only played in two-thirds of the regular season games due to facial and thumb injuries during the season. Graham has scored five tries so far this season and has had eight try assists and eight line breaks. He has made over 300 tackles and run for almost 2400 metres at an average of 140 metres per game. He is ‘Mr Reliable’ in the Rabbitohs backline, playing left or right side centre, and has become one of the best players not only at the Club, but also in his position across the NRL. Graham was presented with his award by the Rabbitohs’ most capped player of all time and former team mate, John Sutton. Players all register a vote as to who they thought was the game’s best after each regular season match, with this year’s award coming down to the wire between Graham, captain Cameron Murray and front rower Junior Tatola. The Players’ Player award is named after legendary Rabbitohs player and coach, Jack Rayner. Rayner won five Premierships with South Sydney in six seasons in the Club’s golden era between 1950 and 1955, as both captain and captain/coach. His legacy at the Rabbitohs lives on to this day, remembered as an honest, tough, hardworking forward during the days when some of the most brutal Rugby League was played. Congratulations to Campbell Graham on winning this season’s Jack Rayner Players’ Player Award.

John Sattler Rookie Of The Year - Lachlan Ilias

Rabbitohs halfback Lachlan Ilias has claimed the John Sattler Rookie of the Year Award for season 2022 after a stellar season in the number seven jersey. Ilias, 22, played in 23 of the 24 regular season matches played this, guiding the side into the Finals Series in his first season as the regular starting halfback. Ilias has scored four tries in his first full season in the top grade, as well as registering 11 try assists, 11 line break assists, 15 forced drop outs, over 65 running metres per game and 225 kicking metres per game. Ilias has become a key cog in the Rabbitohs spine, combining well with five-eighth Cody Walker, fullback Latrell Mitchell and hooker Damien Cook throughout 2022. Lachlan was presented with his award by President of Souths Juniors, Keith McCraw, at the Red and Green Ball tonight (Saturday). The Rookie of the Year Award is named after Rabbitohs legend, John Sattler, who famously led the Rabbitohs into battle in the 1960s and 1970s. He had his jaw shattered in the opening minutes of the 1970 Grand Final, going on to play the rest of the game in a performance that has been written into Rugby League folklore. Congratulations to Lachlan Ilias on being awarded the John Sattler Rookie of the Year award for 2022.

Roy Asotasi Members' Choice Award - Cameron Murray

Rabbitohs captain Cameron Murray has been awarded the Roy Asotasi Members’ Choice Award for season 2022. Murray collected over 50% of the votes made by Rabbitohs Members ahead of the red and Green Ball presentation night held tonight (Saturday). Murray, in first season as captain of the Rabbitohs, has led the team admirably throughout the season. So far, he has played in 20 matches for South Sydney in 2022 with a Finals Series still ahead of him. He has scored three tries, made over 800 tackles, registered 35 tackle breaks and 35 offloads, and has run for an average of 115 metres per game. His captaincy has been first class, leading the team with his efforts on the field and holding himself with grace and poise when undertaking the captain’s duties off the field. This is the third time in the last four seasons that Murray has won this award. Murray was presented the award by the man himself, Roy Asotasi. The Members’ Choice award is named after former Rabbitohs, New Zealand and Samoa captain, Roy Asotasi, who played an integral part in attracting key signings to the Club when he joined South Sydney in 2007. The Award was named in his honour in 2013. Congratulations to Cameron Murray on being crowned the 2022 Roy Asotasi Members’ Choice award winner.

Burrow Appreciation Award - Alex Johnston

The Rabbitohs greatest try scorer of all time, Alex Johnston, has been judged by The Burrow as their award winner for season 2022, taking out The Burrow Appreciation Award for this season. Johnston became the Club’s top try scorer of all time in 2022, turning in another masterful try scoring performance throughout the season, scoring 28 tries in the regular season with a Finals Series still to be played. Not only is ‘AJ’ a try scoring freak, he has been recognised by The Burrow for his commitment to the Club, its Members and its fans. Johnston understands the importance of the Club’s Members and supporters and goes out of his way each game to ensure he acknowledges their support and show his appreciation for their devotion and dedication to the Rabbitohs. Johnston received his award from The Burrow Member, Josh Kemp, at the annual Red and Green Ball which was held tonight (Saturday). Current team mates to have previously won this award include Cody Walker, Thomas Burgess and Damien Cook. Congratulations to Alex Johnston on winning The Burrow Appreciation award for season 2022.

Bob McCarthy Clubman of The Year - Jacob Host

Rabbitohs backrower Jacob Host has won the Bob McCarthy Clubman of the Year award for season 2022, being recognised for his contributions to the team and the Club, both on and off the field. Host only managed to play eight NRL matches this season due to injury but his efforts with work away from the field of play in the areas of Membership, corporate, sponsorship, commercial and community work have been first class. Host is always the first player to put his hand up for player promotional activities and visits, going as far as the Sunshine Coast to pre-promote the Club’s game in round 21 against the Warriors. He was the face of the Aqualand apartment giveaway promotion and hosted the ‘Hosty’s Game Time’ video series shown on the Rabbitohs’ digital channels. Importantly, despite being injured for much of the year and training separately to the main group, he has been a key contributor the closeness and togetherness of the playing squad throughout a long and gruelling season so far. He has played a key role with the young players amongst the playing group, bringing them together and introducing them to the requirements of being a full time Rugby League player. Host is a valued member of the team both on and off the field and has been recognised for his efforts this season. Jacob was presented with his award by the man himself, Bob McCarthy, at the Red and Green Ball this evening (Saturday). The Clubman of the Year award is named after McCarthy, one of the Rabbitohs’ greatest players of all time. McCarthy was part of the Rabbitohs’ golden era in the 1960s and early 1970s, playing 211 first grade games in the cardinal and myrtle, scoring 100 tries. He is multiple Premiership-winning legend of the South Sydney club and is a regular attendee at past players’ reunions and training sessions to this very day, offering his continued support to the current crop of Rabbitohs players. Congratulations to Jacob Host on receiving the 2022 Bob McCarthy Clubman of the Year award.

Reserve Grade(NSW Cup) - Player of the Year - Shaquai Mitchell

28th August 2022

Rabbitohs halfback Shaquai Mitchell not only made his NRL debut in 2022, but he also took out the NSW Cup Player of the Year award as well. Shaquai Mitchell has worked extremely hard over the last few years to cement his place in the NSW Cup team as a standout prop. With 2022 seeing him also play in the Indigenous All-Stars game at the start of the season Congratulations to Shaquai Mitchell on his award on behalf of everyone connected to South Sydney and the Elite Pathways Program.

Reserve Grade(NSW Cup) - Players Player of The Year - Dean Hawkins

Halfback Dean Hawkins has won the Rabbitohs’ NSW Cup Players’ Player award. Hawkins played 21 games and led the NSW Cup competition for try assists. Congratulations to Dean Hawkins on his award on behalf of everyone connected to South Sydney and the Elite Pathways Program.

Reserve Grade(NSW Cup) - Best Back - Izacc Thompson

Reserve Grade(NSW Cup) - Best Forward - Trent Peoples

U21s(Jersey Flegg Cup) - Player of the Year - Tallis Duncan

Strong lock forward Tallis Duncan has won the Jersey Flegg Player of the Year award in 2022 after a strong season in the under 21s competition. Duncan played 14 games in the red and green in 2022, and was called up late in season to NSW Cup and represented Malta during the season. Congratulations to Tallis Duncan on his award on behalf of everyone connected to South Sydney and the Elite Pathways Program.

U21s(Jersey Flegg Cup) - Players Player of The Year - Tallis Duncan

Rabbitohs under 21s player Tallis Duncan has been judged by his teammates as the season’s best player, taking out the Jersey Flegg Players’ Player award. Congratulations to Tallis Duncan on his award on behalf of everyone connected to South Sydney and the Elite Pathways Program.

U21s(Jersey Flegg Cup) - Best Back - Carson Kaho

U21s(Jersey Flegg Cup) - Best Forward - Tom Giles

Senior Pathways Club Person of the Year - Mark Mamo

Souths Cares Award - Cody Walker

Rabbitohs five-eighth Cody Walker has received the South Cares Award for the most outstanding contributions to the community, deserved recognition for the work and effort he puts into the community away from the football field. Walker, who was also the Club’s nominee for the Ken Stephen Medal in 2022, has a long and proud history of supporting the community through Souths Cares’ programs as well as his own community and charity work. Cody is an active participant in Souths Cares’ Nanga Mai Marri Aboriginal Employment Program, the Deadly Youth Mentoring Program, the Rabbitohs Wellbeing Program and the Regional Health Tours. He has also supported NAIDOC week celebrations and industry visits to Crown Sydney at Barangaroo to promote NAIDOC’s ‘Get Up, Stand Up, Show Up’ theme in 2022. He played an important leadership role in the Rabbitohs Indigenous Jersey Design and utilized Indigenous Round as an opportunity to bring awareness to inequalities experienced by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People, whilst also celebrating culture during NRL Indigenous Round. He was one of the leading figures when the Rabbitohs squad visited the Yarrabah Aboriginal Community in far north Queensland in 2022, worked with Souths Cares and the Redfern Aboriginal Medical Service to promote COVID testing and Government Health advice during the height of the pandemic, and also worked closely with Souths Cares delivering mental health workshops to those who were struggling with lockdowns during the COVID pandemic. He is one of the leaders of the eSafety workshops run by Souths Cares, and is regarded as one of the Indigenous leaders amongst his peers in the NRL. Of his own volition, Cody also visits many rural communities throughout the year alongside team mate Latrell Mitchell and other NRL players such as Josh Addo-Carr and Jack Wighton. He is also leading a project to promote mental health in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and fundraising for the Rising Warriors Program. Rabbitohs players who played in specially painted boots donated their boots which were auctioned off after the game to support Mudyala Aboriginal Corporation / Rising Warriors Program with over $12,000 in funds raised. Cody’s efforts in his community work and championing social justice campaigns continue to create a substantial impact, both at a local level and throughout Australia. Within the NRL, Cody is highly regarded as a leader amongst the Indigenous playing group. His courage to speak up against racism and inequalities experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people has paved a pathway for other players to follow. Importantly, Cody’s community work has had an impact in regional communities which often lack resources/service providers and receive little public support. As a proud Bundjalung-Yuin man, Cody has strong connections with both the NSW North Coast and NSW South Coast and has led a range of initiatives to support these regions as well as the broader Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. Cody has been instrumental in gaining support and fundraising for the ‘Rising Warriors Program’ which operates within the Northern Rivers region of NSW. This is the second consecutive year that Cody has won the Souths Cares Award, this year presented by General Manager of Souths Cares, Alisha Parker-Elrez, at the Red and Green Ball held tonight (Saturday). Congratulations to Cody Walker on winning the Souths Cares Award for most outstanding contributions to the community.

U19s(SG Ball Cup) - Player of the Year(Best & Fairest) - Louis Grossemy

28th April 2022

Strong second rower Louis Groessemy has won the SG Player of the Year award in 2022 after a strong season in the under 19s competition. Grossemy was called up into the U21s and has been selected in the French U19s team in the European championship. Congratulations to Louis Grossemy on his award on behalf of everyone connected to South Sydney and the Elite Pathways Program.

U19s(SG Ball Cup) - Best Back - Carson Kaho

U19s(SG Ball Cup) - Best Forward - Thomas Fletcher

U19s(SG Ball Cup) - Most Improved - TJ Herring

U19s(SG Ball Cup) - Most Consistent - Dranza Hawe-De-Thierry

U17s(Harold Matthews Cup) - Player of the Year(Best & Fairest) - Fetiaki Lua

Powerful prop Fetiaki(Daniel) Lua has won the Haold Matthews of the Year award in 2022 after a strong season in the under 17s competition. Congratulations to Fetiaki Lua on his award on behalf of everyone connected to South Sydney and the Elite Pathways Program.

U17s(Harold Matthews Cup) - Best Back - Daniel Wright

U17s(Harold Matthews Cup) - Best Forward - Hateus Heslin

U17s(Harold Matthews Cup) - Most Improved - Ryan Casey

U17s(Harold Matthews Cup) - Most Consistent - Lennox Resati

Junior Reps Club Person of the Year - Hayden Lamaro & Donna Smith

Womens

Womens - Player of the Year - Seli Mailangi

Utility forward Seli Mailangi has taken out the Player of the Year Honours for the South Sydney Rabbitohs’ Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership side in 2022. Mailangi, who is predominantly a hooker but also lock. Mailangi was consistently one of the best performers each week in the pink and green, earning her call up into Tonga womens team during the year. Congratulations to Seli Mailanga on her award on behalf of everyone connected to South Sydney and the Elite Pathways Program.

Womens - Players Player of The Year - Ellie Johnston

Second Rower Ellie Johnston has been judged by her teammates as the season’s best player, being awarded the Rabbitohs’ Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership Players’ Player for season 2022. Johnston who plays a dominate role out was the teams leading try scorer and setup a number of other tries. Congratulations to Ellie Johnston on her award on behalf of everyone connected to South Sydney and the Elite Pathways Program.

Womens - Best Back - Patricia Raikadroka

Womens - Best Forward - Christine Pauli

Womens U19s(Tarsha Gale Cup) - Player of the Year(Best & Fairest) - Luti Maile

Strong Lute Maile has won the Womens Tarsha Gale player of the Year award in 2022 after a strong season in the womens under 19s competition. Congratulations to Luti Maile on his award on behalf of everyone connected to South Sydney and the Elite Pathways Program.

Womens U19s(Tarsha Gale Cup) - Best Back - Siniva Sa'anga

Womens U19s(Tarsha Gale Cup) - Best Forward - Kasey Taaffe

Womens U19s(Tarsha Gale Cup) - Most Improved - Lillah Hoffman

Womens U19s(Tarsha Gale Cup) - Most Consistent - Parker Stanton

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