Following a year in which the Newtown Jets won their ninth NSWRL premiership, their best performers have been recognised at the annual Presentation Dinner and Awards Night.
Held at the Petersham RSL Club a big crowd in an exuberant mood celebrated the achievement of another premiership victory, the third since Newtown joined the NSW Cup competition back in 2000.
While a number of players were singled out, it was Tuku Hau Tapuha accepting the major award on the night, the big Sharks-contracted front rower leading the way for the Jets in what was an outstanding season.
The 22-year-old emphasised his talent and potential in making 10 NRL appearances, playing a role in the Sharks winning their way through a preliminary finals appearance, with Hau Tapuha the recipient of the Brian "Chicka" Moore Shield as the Best and Fairest player for 2024.
Other members of the Sharks NRL squad who were rewarded on the night for their contribution to the success of the Jets in 2024 included Jayden Berrell as Players Player and the Members Player of the Year, Niwhai Puru was named Most Improved and the team's leading point scorer with a total of 174 during the season, Liam Ison the Coaches Award winner and with 13 four-pointers in 19 matches, Sam Stonestreet was the leading try scorer.
Former Sharks Jersey Flegg squad members Tom Rodwell (Best Back), Blake Hosking (Most Consistent) and Kyle Pickering (Fred Daly Memorial Shield) also received awards for their efforts in 2024.
Another of the Sharks contingent in Braden Hamlin-Uele scored the game-winning try in the 28-22 Jets win over the North Sydney Bears in the Grand Final, with Puru named Man of the Match.
2024 Newtown Jets Award winners
Best and Fairest award and the recipient of the Brian "Chicka" Moore Shield
Tuku Hau Tapuha
Barry Vining Memorial Shield presented for the Players' Player award
Jayden Berrell
Coach's Award
Liam Ison
Best Back
Tom Rodwell
Most Consistent Player
Blake Hosking
Most Improved award
Niwhai Puru
Members' Player of the Year
Jayden Berrell
Fred Daly Memorial Shield for outstanding service as a player
Kyle Pickering
Ken Wilson Memorial Shield for 2024, awarded to the leading points-scorer
Niwhai Puru
Newtown Jets leading try-scorer
Sam Stonestreet
Player of the Match award in the 2024 NSW Cup Grand Final
Niwhai Puru
