Canberra Raiders stars Joe Tapine and Simaima Taufa have capped off fantastic individual seasons, by winning Meninga Medals as Players of the Year at the Raiders Presentation Night at Parliament House.
Tapine wins 2024 Meninga Medal
For Tapine, it’s a remarkable third straight Meninga Medal, with the Raiders star taking home the prestigious award in commanding fashion. He polled 33 votes during the season, which was 22 votes ahead of the next-best player.
The night was even more special for Tapine, with departing Captain Elliott Whitehead announcing to those attending that Tapine would be the Raiders’ new Captain for season 2025 and beyond.
Simaima Taufa also collected her second consecutive Player of the Year award, after it was announced earlier in the evening that the Raiders NRLW Player of the Year would also receive a Meninga Medal moving forward.
Taufa wins 2024 NRLW Meninga Medal
Taufa has had another strong season in the Raiders’ second year in the NRLW, leading the team both on and off the field.
Kaeo Weekes collected the NRL Coaches’ award after a fantastic debut season for the club, while Ethan Strange was awarded the Peter Mulholland Rookie of the Year for a wonderful first full season at NRL level.
Chanté Temara received the Coaches’ award for the NRLW team following a wonderful season where she has featured in every match, while Relna Wuruki-Hosea was awarded the NRLW Rookie of the Year in her first season in green.
After playing his 300th NRL Match this season Josh Papalii was awarded the Fred Daly Club Person of the Year award for his continued work in the community.
Albert Hopoate was awarded the NSW Cup Player of the Year, with Regan Carr named Jersey Flegg Player of the Year.
Canberra Raiders 2024 Presentation Night winners
Meninga Medal (NRL) – Joe Tapine
Meninga Medal (NRLW) – Simaima Taufa
NRL Coaches’ Award – Kaeo Weekes
NRLW Coaches’ Award – Chanté Temara
Peter Mulholland Rookie of the Year – Ethan Strange
NRLW Rookie of the Year – Relna Wuruki-Hosea
Fred Daly Club Person of the Year – Josh Papalii
NSW Cup Player of the Year – Albert Hopoate
Jersey Flegg Player of the Year – Regan Carr
NSW Cup Coaches’ Award – Adam Cook
Jersey Flegg Coaches’ Award – Mitchell Prest
Gordon McLucas Junior Representative of the Year – Noah Martin
Female Junior Representative of the Year – Claudia Finau
