Te Kamaka ‘TK’ Howden and Hollyrae Mete were named the Turbos and Cyclones players of the year at Manawatū Rugby’s 2024 Awards Dinner.

As well as winning the Turbos Player of the Year, Howden was named Turbos Players’ Player of the Year and Forward of the Year. Howden was a huge presence for the Turbos on both sides of the ball. He led the NPC in tackles made during the regular season, with 164 – 12 more than the next player on the list. He also captained the team for several games while regular captain Brayden Iose was injured. This was the second straight year that Howden won the Forward of the Year Award.

Cyclones Player of the Year Mete took home two trophies, also bagging the Cyclones Back of the Year. She was one of the most dangerous attacking players in the Farah Palmer Cup, leading the competition in defenders beaten (64), clean breaks (21), offloads (32), and metres gained (897), and was second in carries (122).

Elinor-Plum King also took home two Cyclones awards - Forward of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year. After a breakout Super Rugby Aupiki season, King continued her fine form into the FPC. She beat 48 defenders throughout the season - the third most in the competition.

Reece MacDonald was named Turbos Back of the Year. McDonald’s willingness to take on the line and ability to spark attacking opportinities from anywhere on the partk made him a fan favourite.

The Turbos and Cyclones Rookie of the Year awards went to Lachlan Shaw and Anahera Hamamona respectively.

Rugby historian/author Clive Akers and former Manawatū Chief Executive and Turbos Manager John Knowles were presented with Life Memberships.

Akers has served as Manawatū Rugby’s unofficial historian for more than 40 years and has played a critical role in ensuring the stories and statistics of the players, coaches, and administrators have been maintained. He is the editor of Manawatū Rugby – The First 100 Years and the co-editor of Green and White - 125 Years of Manawatū Rugby - two books that form a comprehensive picture of the union. Akers was also a co-editor of the New Zealand Rugby Almanack since 1994 until stepping down this year.

Knowles served as the Turbos manager between 2006 and 2007, coming in alongside coach Dave Rennie as the Turbos played their first seasons back in the top flight of provincial rugby. He returned to the union again in 2009 to serve as Chief Executive, coming in during a particularly challenging time with the union in tough financial times and facing an uncertain future in the NPC. Knowles led the highly successful Save The Turbos campaign which was vital to maintaining the Turbos in the competition. He during his tenure as CEO, he oversaw the building of the Rugby Performance Centre and the was at the helm when the Turbos won the Championship in 2014.

COMMUNITY RUGBY AWARDS

Best and Fairest - Senior 1: Joe Fabish, Kia Toa

Best and Fairest - Prue Christie Cup: Kahurangi Sturmey, Old Boys-Marist

Players’ Choice Referee of the Year - Senior 1: Carl Baker

Players’ Choice Referee of the Year - Prue Christie Cup: Warrick Price

Abraham Cup (for most round robin wins across as senior grades): Kia Toa

Community Coach of the Year: Justin Lock, Feilding High School

Gallagher Insurance Brokers Volunteer of the Yea: Brenda Baker, Old Boys-Marist

Article added: Wednesday 23 October 2024