She has been leading the way for the NRLW Sharks in their first season in the elite female NRL competition and now Emma Tonegato has been rewarded for her performances while representing the Sky Blues in being named the NSW Women’s Origin Player of the Year for 2023.
Tonegato was recognised for her achievements at the Brad Fittler Medal night held at the Star Event Centre in Sydney last night with 500 players, officials, corporate partners and guests in attendance.
Enjoying a impressive series for the NSW Sky Blues, including Game Two in Townsville where she ran for 238m, had 11 tackle busts and two offloads, Tonegato was presented her medal by Harvey Norman NSW Sky Blues coach Kylie Hilder.
“Emma deserved the NSW Women’s Origin Player of the Year as she was so consistent in both games and always a threat whenever she touched the ball,” Hilder said. “She is such a professional both on and off the field and is an absolute pleasure to coach.
On the men’s side, Brian To’o claimed the prestigious Brad Fittler Medal after a standout State of Origin series where the Westpac NSW Blues winger averaged more than 200 running metres per match.
The medal was presented by Westpac NSW Blues coach Fittler on a night where 20 awards were announced for Representative Competitions, Major Competitions, Junior Representative Competitions and community.
Tonegato’s NSW teammate Kezzie Apps overcame injury to lead the Sky Blues this season and celebrated a record 11th appearance for her state. She led from the front after averaging 79 run metres per game, making five tackle busts and 37 tackles in taking away the Sky Blues Award.
Liam Martin won the True Blues Award, while Cody Walker won The Daily Telegraph People’s Choice Award.
“I am so happy for Kezie as she had to work so hard to get just get herself on the field this year after suffering her injury. To go out and perform like she did, and in a new position as well, was inspiring for her teammates and highlighted her leadership qualities,” Hilder added.
Canberra Raiders young gun Ethan Strange was named NSW Under 19s Origin Player of the Year after scoring a hat-trick in the win against Queensland; while Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs hooker Chelsea Makira took out the NSW Under 19s Women’s Origin Player of the Year after a performance where she scored two tries.
South Sydney Rabbitohs halfback Dean Hawkins was named The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup Player of the Year after steering his club to a second-placed finish.
Sharks forward Holli Wheeler, while playing for the Bulldogs in the NSWRL Harvey Norman competition, was NSW Women’s Premiership Player of the Year after leading the Bulldogs to a Grand Final appearance.
Wheeler missed out on playing in the historic 1-0 Grand Final loss to Mounties after suffering a knee injury in the Semi-final and has recently returned to the field for the Sharks in the NRLW competition.
The Brad Fittler Medal night recognises and celebrates the achievements of players across all NSWRL teams and competitions, from Origin to seniors, juniors and women, as well as the contributions of referees, club officials and volunteers.
Other players to have won the Brad Fittler Medal include former Sharks skipper Paul Gallen who was the recipient of the award in 2011.
BRAD FITTLER MEDAL FULL LIST OF AWARD WINNERS
NSW Women’s State of Origin Player of the Year: Emma Tonegato (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
Sky Blues Award: Kezie Apps (Wests Tigers)
Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership Player of the Year: Holli Wheeler (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Brad Fittler Medal: Brian To’o (Penrith Panthers)
True Blue Award: Liam Martin (Penrith Partners)
The Daily Telegraph People’s Choice Award: Cody Walker (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
NSW Under 19s State of Origin Player of the Match: Ethan Strange (Canberra Raiders)
NSW Under 19s Women’s State of Origin Player of the Match: Chelsea Makira (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup Player of the Year: Dean Hawkins (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Jersey Flegg Cup Player of the Year: Max McCathie (Sydney Roosters)
Leagues Clubs Australia Ron Massey Cup Player of the Year: Jake Butfield (St Marys Saints)
Sydney Shield Player of the Year: Ryan Joynes (Ryde-Eastwood Hawks)
Men’s Country Championship Player of the Year: Chad O’Donnell (Newcastle Maitland Region Knights)
Women’s Country Championship Player of the Year: Krystal Blackwell (Monaro Colts)
Tom Nelson Medal for SLE Laurie Daley Cup Player of the Year: Xavier Cacciotti (Monaro Colts)
Ron Lanesbury Medal for SLE Andrew Johns Cup Player of the Year: Jack Talbott (South Coast Illawarra Dragons)
Grade Referee of the Year: Damian Brady
Junior Representative Referee of the Year: Brayden Hunt
Ray Stellar Club Person of the Year: Ian Boardman (Hills Bulls)
Gordon Lowrie Memorial Community Volunteer of the Year Award: Christopher Hollis (Taree Red Rovers JRLC)
