Wests Tigers held their annual Grand Final Luncheon yesterday, where they announced the 2014 season awards as well as two new Life Members of the Club.
John Skandalis and Mark O’Neill were recognised as Life Members for their achievements and commitment throughout their illustrious careers with Wests Tigers.
Both players were members of the inaugural Wests Tigers side in 2000 and won a premiership together in 2005. O’Neill played 121 games over six seasons with the Club, while Skandalis amounted 185 matches between 2000 and 2010.
The pair join inaugural Life Members Robbie Farah and Benji Marshall who were inducted at the conclusion of the 2013 season.
Prop forward Aaron Woods was awarded Wests Tigers Player’s Player for the 2014 season. Woods excelled throughout the year, with the 23-year-old NSW Origin star earning the votes of his fellow players throughout his 21 appearances.
The NRL Coaches Award was given to second-rower Bodene Thompson, while Blake Austin was voted the Members Player of the Year.
Halfback Luke Brooks picked up two awards on the day, the Rookie of the Year Award and also the Play of the Year for his try in Round 2 against the Gold Coast Titans.
The biggest and most successful auction item of the day, as per every year, was the Wests Tigers Number One Ticket Holder. This year it went for a record $75,000 to the incumbent Lee Hagipantelis from Brydens Lawyers, whom the Club thank for his support.
Check out the full list of awards and winners from 2014 below.
Unite. Commit. Achieve. Register your interest for a 2015 membership package here!
NRL
Player's Player of the Year — Aaron Woods
Coaches Player of the Year — Bodene Thompson
Members Player of the Year — Blake Austin
Rookie of the Year — Luke Brooks
Play of the Year — Luke Brooks (vs. Gold Coast Titans, Round 2)
NSW CUP
Player's Player of the Year — Joel Luani
Coaches Player of the Year — Asipeli Fine
NYC
Player's Player of the Year — Dallas Graham
Coaches Player of the Year — Lamar Liolevave
CLUB
Community Achievement — Dene Halatau
Clubman of the Year — Peter Moussa (Head Physiotherapist)
Life Members — John Skandalis and Mark O'Neill