Rabbitohs players Patrice Siolo and Tautalatasi Tasi were awarded for their 2016 efforts, picking up the Best Forward award and Utility Player of the Year award at the North Sydney Bears’ presentation night on Thursday.
The North Sydney Bears finished 10th on the ladder in the Intrust Super Premiership NSW competition. Despite the position, Head Coach Ben Gardiner, is pleased with the energy and determination shown by his team throughout the season and has high hopes for 2017.
Co-Captain, Brad Deitz took out the Best and Fairest award while Clayton Williams received the highest votes from his teammates to be honoured with the Players Player award.
“Brad came to us as an U20s player from 2015 and played 22 games, which is every game this year,” commented Gardiner.
“He started at hooker which is a big step up from U20s for him and everything he did rose in class on a week to week basis.”
“Clayton Williams also came from Souths U20s and played 22 games at lock.”
“He stepped up and performed exceptionally well for a fella that isn’t that big in the middle and will be looking for bigger and better things for 2017.”
Halfback, Eli Levido had an outstanding season, claiming the most try assists and line breaks in the competition and was acknowledged by receiving two awards including the Best Back and Fans Player of the Year.
“He was the sixth highest points scorer in the NSW cup which is a fantastic achievement for a rookie,
“Eli played 20 games this season, and topped try assists and line break assists in the competition and really led the team around the field obviously being a halfback.
“He has re-signed for next year and we look to continue that pathway to bigger and better things in 2017.”
The North Sydney Bears’ 2016 NSW Cup Award Winners are:
Best and Fairest – Brad Deitz
Players Player – Clayton Williams
Best Back – Eli Levido
Best Forward – Patrice Siolo
Utility Players of the year – Tautalatasi Tasi
Most Consistent Player of the Year – Fred Junior Mauala
Most Improved – Sitiveni Moceidreke
Coaches Award – Abbas Miski
Fans Player of the Year – Eli Levido
Fans Choice Award – Abbas Miski
2016 North Sydney Bears Clubman of the Year – John Zollo
