The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies have capped off their 2024 Super Rugby Season, hosting the Brumbies Annual Awards Night at Hyatt Hotel Canberra yesterday evening.
Brumbies back-rower Rob Valetini was named the Brett Robinson Player's Player of the Year for a second time. The current John Eales Medal recipient continuing his form into the 2024 season with several stand out performances.
"I'm very grateful and honoured to win the award," said Valetini.
Known for his strong ball carries, the current Wallabies backrower was pleased and surprised at the same time when notified he had won the award.
"To train day in and day out with my team mates everyday and be recognised by them is very humbling. I really thought a few other players would've been named ahead of me when I heard my name announced."
Women's back Biola Dawa capped off her meteoric rise in 2024, claiming the Helen Taylor Player of the Year Award. The winger who recently made her debut for the Wallaroos, featured in every Brumbies fixture this year, which included a try in her side's Semi-Final against the NSW Waratahs.
Dawa was still in disbelief after receiving the prestigious honour. Her Brumbies team mates praising the Canberra Royal back as she made her way to the stage.
"I was quite shocked. I was not expecting it at all."
Hailing from Wagga Wagga, Dawa was quick to acknowledge her team mates for her performance this season.
"The change in intensity at training this year, especially from the Wallaroos girls Pesi and Tania really helped me lift my game."
The Brumbies flyer was reflective of her current journey, where her perseverance and hard work has been rewarded with the accolade.
"It just shows regardless of your background or where you come that anything is possible if you chase your dreams and believe in yourself," said Dawa.
Allana Sikimeti and Charlie Cale were recognised as the Most Outstanding Young Players for the Brumbies. Both making their debuts for the Wallaroos and Wallabies respectively, after strong seasons in the Capital.
Valetini was also chosen as the Member’s Player of the Year, with captain Siokapesi Palu taking the Member’s choice award for Brumbies Super Rugby Women.
Mal Daisley was honoured with Garry Quinlivan Service to Rugby Award. He commenced his connection with the ACT Brumbies in 2001, as a contract green keeper and his involvement extends a remarkable 12 years, off and on.
With a never-ending willingness to assist whoever and wherever he can throughout the organisation. Daisley typifies everything the Club stands for, displayed through his tireless work ethic, endless generosity, and unwavering dedication to the team.
Tania Naden and Blake Schoupp were well-deserved winners of the Community Engagement Award, with Jarrah McLeod claiming the Graham Gordon Memorial Trophy for Best and Fairest U20s player.
2024 ACT Brumbies Award Winners
- Brett Robinson Players’ Player Award: Rob Valetini
- Helen Taylor Super Rugby Women's Player of the Year: Biola Dawa
- Christian Leali'ifano Spirit of the Brumbies: Allan Alaalatoa
- Garry Quinlivan Service to Rugby Award: Mal Daisley
- Super Rugby Womens Most Outstanding Young Player: Allana Sikimeti
- Shawn Mackay Most Outstanding Young Talent Award: Charlie Cale
- Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies Men's Best Back: Tom Wright
- Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies Best Men's Forward: Rob Valetini
- Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies Best Women's Back: Kolora Lomani
- Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies Best Women's Forward: Lydia Kavoa
- Men's and Women's Members Choice Award: Rob Valetini and Siokapesi Palu
- Men's and Women's Community Engagement Award: Blake Schoupp and Tania Naden
- Graham Gordon Memorial Trophy for the ACT Best and Fairest U20's Player: Jarrah McLeod
