Wests Tigers have enjoyed a successful night at the Dally M Awards, with two of our NRLW stars rewarded for their efforts in 2023.
Jakiya Whitfeld’s impressive performance on both sides of the ball saw her collect the NRLW Winger of the Year award.
In just her second season in the league, Whitfeld played all nine games, scored four tries and broke the line on ten occasions.
The former Rugby Sevens star quickly earned a reputation as one of the hardest runners in the league, amassing the second-highest tally of run metres ever recorded in an NRLW match in Round 2 against Cronulla.
Whitfeld: NRLW Tackle of the Year
Whitfeld’s defensive efforts did not go unnoticed as she also collected the NRLW Tackle of the Year award for her incredible 70-metre chase of Roosters’ centre Isabelle Kelly.
Wests Tigers NRLW Player of the Year Sala Togatuki was also recognised last night as the NRLW Prop of the Year.
Togatuki accumulated the third-highest average for running metres in the competition, with her tally of 188 per game sitting as the highest amongst all forwards.
The Glenmore Park junior took a leadership role in her fifth NRLW campaign, racking up at least twenty tackles in every game bar one this season.
Captain Kezie Apps was also nominated for NRLW Second Rower of the Year, while Botille Vette-Welsh was recognised as one of four nominees for the prestigious Veronica White Medal.
In the men’s game, skipper Api Koroisau picked up a nomination for Hooker of the Year after a tremendous first season at Wests Tigers.
Koroisau was joined at the event by Kelly-Barnes Medal winner Jahream Bula, who was narrowly defeated by Sunia Turuva for NRL Rookie of the Year.
2023 NRLW Dally M Team of the Year:
Fullback — Tamika Upton (Knights)
Winger — Jakiya Whitfield (Wests Tigers)
Winger — Julia Robinson (Broncos)
Centre — Isabelle Kelly (Roosters)
Centre — Mele Hufanga (Broncos)
Five-Eighth — Tarryn Aiken (Roosters)
Halfback — Ali Brigginshaw (Broncos)
Prop — Shannon Mato (Titans)
Prop — Sarah Togatuki (Wests Tigers)
Hooker — Destiny Brill (Broncos)
Second Row — Yasmin Clydsdale (Knights)
Second Row — Olivia Kernick (Roosters)
Lock — Simaima Taufa (Raiders)
