Melbourne Storm’s Junior Representative squads enjoyed a night of celebration and recognition last week, with both the Harold Matthews and SG Ball squads coming together for their end of season Awards Night.
Held at AAMI Park, the night acknowledged the strong progress of both respective squads made in what was their first year playing under the Storm pathways system, with the emphasis being placed on player development rather than solely results.
Storm’s Harold Mattthews side finished with two wins, two draws and four losses while the SG Ball squad finished with two wins, one draw and six defeats.
Local Victorian juniors Young Tonumaipea and Sua Fa’alago were in attendance, with Fa’alago presenting the Junior Representative Player of the Year award to exciting young fullback Hugo Peel (St Kevin’s College Rugby) who enjoyed a stellar campaign in the SG Ball competition.
Tonumaipea presented the inaugural Young Tonumaipea U17s Player of the Year trophy to young Casey Warriors product Waka Hammond, while Greg Brentnall also awarded the Greg Brentnall U19s Player of the Year trophy, which was awarded to Chase Paterson (Storm Sunshine Coast Academy).
A full list of awards winners are listed below:
U17s
Best Back – Matthew Kereti (Altona Roosters)
Best Forward – Lockyer-Azile Foliola (Sunbury Tigers)
Young Tonumaipea U17s Player of the Year – Waka Hammond (Casey Warriors)
U19s
Best Back – Ioane Lui (Sunbury Tigers)
Best Forward – Harrison Hill (Storm Brisbane Hub)
Greg Brentnall U19s Player of the Year – Chase Paterson (Storm Sunshine Coast Academy)
Junior Representatives Player of the Year – Hugo Peel (St Kevin’s College Rugby)
