PIPA has today announced the finalists in the much-anticipated 2015 PIPA Player of The Year competition. They include the talented Nemani Nadolo, Paul Perez, Siale Piutau, Leone Nakarawa, Telusa Veainu and Tim Nainai Williams.
PIPA has today announced the finalists in the much-anticipated 2015 PIPA Player of The Year competition. They include the talented Nemani Nadolo, Paul Perez, Siale Piutau, Leone Nakarawa, Telusa Veainu and Tim Nainai Williams.
During the Rugby World Cup (RWC) players from Fiji, Samoa and Tonga voted for the ‘Player’s Player of the Year’ from their respective nations as well as their overall selection for the ‘PIPA Pacific Island Player’s Player of the Year’ award.
Tongan International and PIPA board member Hale T. Pole emphasised the importance for PIPA to recognise outstanding performances throughout the year. ‘’All Pacific Island Players cherish every opportunity to represent their country. With these awards we hope to inspire players from Fiji, Samoa and Tonga to strive for excellence both on and off the field” said Mr. Pole.
Last year the 2014 ‘PIPA Pacific Player’s Player of the Year’ award was won by Nemani Nadolo. Nemani has once again been nominated, as a result of his continued outstanding performance on the filed for the Crusaders in Super Rugby where he scored nine tries and then for Fiji where he played five test matches this year scoring sixty-nine points. 2015 has also been an outstanding year for Leone Nakarawa, the 27 year old Fijian lock. His consistency and performances have made him an automatic choice for the Fijians, scoring five tries from his ten games this year.
Paul Perez is another strong contender for the award, the Toulouse centre was the mainstay in the Samoan backline this year, playing in eight games and scoring three tries. Experienced player Tim Nainai Williams had his first international season this year and truly lead the way for his nation-Samoa, both on and off the field.
From Tonga, mid-fielder Siale Piutau played his second RWC and showed a classy performance in all four of his RWC games. Also from Tonga, Telusa Veainu, 24-year-old winger had a break-through year playing for his nation in all eight of their test matches. His ability to spark their attack was a major standout during the RWC.
Katie Taylor, Digicel Pacific Head of Marketing, commended the players and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to support PIPA and the Awards for the third year in a row. ‘’This years annual 'PIPA Player’s Play of the Year Awards’ has an outstanding list of finalists. The talent in the Pacific’s rugby arena keeps on getting bigger and better every year. We are delighted to be able to support the awards and continue to recognise the Pacific’s rugby talent.’’
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