Wests Tigers Holden Cup prop forward Taniela Paseka has tonight been named by the Club’s coaching staff as the 2016 Holden Cup Player of the Year.
Paseka was also voted by his teammates as the Holden Cup Players' Player of the Year.
In his first season of Holden Cup, Paseka has featured heavily in Wests Tigers strong season, helping the Club record its sixth Holden Cup finals berth in succession.
Paseka is still eligible to play in Wests Tigers Holden Cup side again in 2017.
Coming through the Western Suburbs junior development system, Paseka joined Wests Tigers extended NRL squad in November for pre-season training and excelled with the opportunity — quickly establishing himself in Willie Peters’ Holden Cup side.
Despite losing star junior representative prop forwards Junior Tatola (injury) and JJ Felise (NRL) early in the season, the 18-year-old Paseka took on the extra responsibility with aplomb — averaging 111 metres and four tackle breaks per game. In addition, Paseka also recorded five tries, six linebreaks and a try-assist during the regular season.
Paseka was rewarded for his strong form with a spot in the NSW U/20’s Origin side, helping the Blues to a fifth successive series win with a 36-22 win at ANZ Stadium.
Wests Tigers congratulate Taniela on winning the Holden Cup Player of the Year Award.
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Player Profile: Taniela Paseka
Date of Birth — 8th October, 1997
Height — 199cm
Weight — 121kg
Position — Prop
Rep. Honours — NSW U/20’s Origin (2016)
Junior Club — All Saints Liverpool
