Well the tour is done, and we are back to local rugby league, school rugby league and everything in between. But while on tour the coaching staff did hand out six awards to some individuals who they believe went above and beyond. See below our U18 Schoolgirls award winners.
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MVP – #9 – Kaylani Tavita – “The Professional”
The most valuable player on tour goes to the Kaylani Tavita, and its easy to see why. A complete professional, she excelled on both sides of the ball. With brilliant tackle selection and the ability to dominate any tackle she was involved in, “Lani” was also a menace with the ball. Scoring multiple tries, and proving an adept runner of the football, she was a consumate professional and was a real leader on and off the field.
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Best Back – #4 – Makayla Vakauta – “Mrs Makes It Look Easy”
Never seemingly flustered, “Maka” took everything in her stride. From running into multiple defenders, to cutting off an attack with a great edge defensive read, she did everything with a smile and made it all look effortless. Her ability to glide across the ground with the ball made her a threat at all times, but it was her ball playing ability that set her apart. As a ball playing centre, she made her winger Papalii’s life easy putting her away for multiple line breaks with silky hands.
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Best Forward – #8 – Saskia Croyston – “The Hammer”
Saskia came into camp and immediately raised the bar around the room. Always wanting to learn more, and do more, she was always reviewing video and taking notes. And on and off the field she will bludgeon her opponents into submission. Forcing her imprint on the game by force of will, she involved herself in the front line as much as humanly possible, and never let up during the game. Possessing no fear, great strength and an unrivalled work ethic, she is the perfect big minutes front rower.
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Most Consistent – #13 – Mackenzie Croyston – “The Scalpel”
Yes they are twins, and they both love rugby league. But while Saskia breaks teams down with force of will, Mackenzie cuts them apart piece by piece. Like a surgeon, she attacks opponents weaknesses and uses finesse and skill to put her stamp on the game. Still a rugged defender, who gets through the work, with the ball she is a scything ball running playmaker. Comfortable at lock or hooker, she could realistically do a job anywhere on the field with her football IQ and physical attributes.
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Most Improved – #3 – Tiari Thompson – “The Train”
Its a simple thing in life. You don’t stand in front of a train. And Tiari was one player who opponents didn’t want to know by the end of the tournament. A tackle break specialist, she seemed to grow as the week went on, getting more and more involved and punishing players with and without the ball. A powerful defender, capable of putting a ball carrier into next week, the sky is the limit for this young lady who showed you don’t have to be loud to make an impression.
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Coaches Award – #16 – Summer Barton – “The Fight In The Dog”
One of the most unassuming players you will ever meet, Summer was the defensive linchpin on the edge for the WA Schoolgirls team. A horrible matchup for attacking players all weekend, she never let an opponent get the better of her, and consistently was coming up with big plays for her team mates. Scoring the winner in ACT golden point, the humble Summer was a perfect example of the saying that its not the size of the dog in the fight….
Congratulations not just to our award winners, but all our girls on tour, and we thank each and everyone of you for your efforts!!