Raiders co-captain Simaima Taufa has been named the inaugural NRLW Player of the Year following a standout season in the club’s first year in the competition.
Taufa dominated voting from the outset of the season, with Shakiah Tungai and Chanté Temara coming in second and third place respectively.
Raiders NRLW coach Darrin Borthwick was full of praise of Taufa’s efforts this season, both on and off the field.
“Simaima was the epitome of leading from the front, she was obviously one of our captains and she set the example most weeks with her defence and her ability to break the line. She had a terrific season and deserves every accolade,” Borthwick said.
“The thing too is that it was voted by her peers and staff. To be a clear out-and-out winner as early as she was is a credit to the way she played. The other side of it too is she played most games with an injury as well and the significance of that alone is testament to the player she is and the leader she is for this club and for our team.”
“Like every player that we bought here we had to tell her about what we were offering here and who we were going to be as a club. I wanted Maims to see what I was seeing and I know what type of player she is and what type of environment she thrives in and it’s just happened to be 100 percent correct. I’m really happy for Maims.”
Other NRLW awards were announced earlier in the month at the Raiders 2023 Presentation Night, with Janelle Williams receiving the NRLW Coaches’ Award and Cheyelle Robins-Reti named NRLW Rookie of the Year. Georgia Willey was also named NRLW Junior Representative Player of the Year.
Canberra Raiders 2023 NRLW End of Season Presentation
NRLW Player of the Year – Simaima Taufa
NRLW Player of the Year tally (top votes)
17 – Simaima Taufa
8 – Shakiah Tungai
7 – Chanté Temara
6 – Apii Nicholls
