The NSW Waratahs were well represented at the Rugby Australia Awards in Sydney on Friday night, with several standouts recognised among the nation’s best for 2025.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii capped off his remarkable first season back in rugby by being named Santos Rookie of the Year. The 22-year-old made an instant impact for both the NSW Waratahs and Wallabies, with his composure, athleticism, and game-breaking ability quickly establishing him as one of Australian rugby’s brightest stars and living up to his reputation.
Waratahs Women’s powerhouse Georgina Friedrichs claimed SMARTECH Super Rugby Women’s Player of the Year, rounding out a dominant campaign that helped lead NSW to their sixth SMARTECH Super Rugby Women's title.
Emerging Waratahs Academy talent Sid Harvey shared Junior Men’s Player of the Year honours alongside Aden Ekanayake, a former Waratahs Academy standout. Both were recognised for their outstanding performances with the Australia U20s and the Men’s Sevens program, underlining the strength of the Waratahs’ development pathways and the continued impact of NSW-produced players on the national stage.
Max Jorgensen claimed the Cadbury Try of the Year, awarded for his last-minute match-winner against England at Twickenham. The dramatic finish marked one of the most memorable moments of the Wallabies’ 2024 campaign and another highlight in Jorgensen’s young career.
The evening also saw Len Ikitau claim the John Eales Medal and Wallaroos forward Tabua Tuinakavadura named Wallaroos Player of the Year, rounding out a night celebrating the very best of Australian rugby.
John Eales Medal: Len Ikitau
Wallaroos Player of the Year: Tabua Tuinakavadura
Shawn Mackay Award for Men’s Sevens Player of the Year: James Turner
Shawn Mackay Award for Women’s Sevens Player of the Year: Faith Nathan
SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year: Carlo Tizzano (Western Force)
SMARTECH Super Rugby Women’s Player of the Year: Georgina Friedrichs (NSW Waratahs)
Santos Rookie of the Year: Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i (NSW Waratahs & Wallabies)
Junior Men’s Player of the Year (joint): Sid Harvey (NSW Waratahs Academy / AUS U20s / Men’s 7s) & Aden Ekanayake (Former NSW Waratahs Academy / AUS U20s / Men’s 7s)
Junior Women’s Player of the Year: Mackenzie Davis
Cadbury Try of the Year: Max Jorgensen (Wallabies vs England)
Defender of the Year: Maddison Levi (Women’s 7s vs NZ, Singapore)
FedEx Referee of the Year: Ella Goldsmith
Nick Farr-Jones Spirit of Rugby Award: Jo Staples (Queensland Rugby Union)
Joe French Award for Outstanding Contribution to Rugby: John Edwards (RugbyWA)
Geoff ‘Bunter’ Shaw Community Coach of the Year: John Carters (NSW)
Andrew Cole Community Match Official of the Year: Craig Gardner (Tasmanian Rugby Referees)
