Wests Tigers forward Joe Ofahengaue has claimed the Kelly-Barnes Medal after being voted the club’s 2022 NRL Player of the Year.
Ofahengaue was a highly consistent performer across the season, and one of only two players to play all 24 games.
Playing across a range of positions in the forwards, he averaged 64 minutes per game and ranked in the top 30 players in the competition for total run metres. Ofahengaue was equally effective without the ball, his 882 tackles placing him in the top ten defenders in the league.
The award was presented just hours after the club announced that Ofahengaue had signed a three-year contract extension, keeping him at Wests Tigers until at least the end of 2025.
Last season’s joint winner of the Kelly-Barnes Medal, Daine Laurie, was voted by his teammates as the club’s Players’ Player for 2022.
Laurie enjoyed a stellar start to the season, setting up five tries in his first six appearances.
He suffered a MCL injury in Wests Tigers’ victory over the Rabbitohs in Round 7, but returned in style by registering two try assists and two line breaks in Round 12.
He ended the season with an average of 120 running metres per game and a total of 77 tackle busts, placing him in the top 25 players in the competition.
The Rookie of the Year Award went to Fonua Pole who didn’t miss a game after making his NRL debut against the Warriors in Round 16.
The club’s nominee for the 2022 Ken Stephen Medal, Luke Garner, was recognised for his outstanding community work with the Wayne Pearce Community Award.
Thomas Freebairn was named Player of the Year in the NSW Cup, capping a stellar season which saw him make his NRL debut in Round 21 against Newcastle.
Explosive outside back Junior Pauga – who made his NRL debut last season - was voted as the NSW Cup team’s Players’ Player for 2022.
In the Jersey Flegg Cup, James Valevatu was named the Player of the Year while Tray Lolesio picked up the Players’ Player Award.
Najvada George was named Player of the Year for our premiership-winning Harvey Norman Women’s side, with Keele Browne voted the Players’ Player.
Head of Pathways Matthew Betsey and Head of Fan Engagement Rachel Cummins were the joint-winners of the Club Person of the Year Award - both deserved winners for their outstanding commitment and contributions to Wests Tigers.
Harvey Norman Women’s Team Manager Jess Schwartz was named Wests Tigers Woman of the Year for the outstanding work she has done for the women’s game in 2022.
The club also inducted four new Wests Tigers Life Members, including 2005 premiership heroes Scott Prince and Pat Richards, former Club Person of the Year Paul Tape, and long-time gear steward, Vincent Marando.
Wests Tigers 2022 Kelly-Barnes Awards
Kelly-Barnes Medal — Joe Ofahengaue
NRL Players’ Player — Daine Laurie
NRL Rookie of the Year — Fonua Pole
NSW Cup Player of the Year — Tom Freebairn
NSW Cup Players’ Player — Junior Pauga
Jersey Flegg Player of the Year — James Valevatu
Jersey Flegg Players’ Player — Tray Lolesio
NSW Women’s Premiership Player of the Year — Najvada George
NSW Women’s Premiership Players’ Player — Keele Browne
Wayne Pearce Community Award — Luke Garner
Wests Tigers Club Person of the Year — Rachel Cummins & Matt Betsey
Wests Tigers Woman of the Year — Jess Schwartz
Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe has extended his congratulations to all award winners, and all involved with the club in 2022.
“It’s been a difficult season but we cannot ignore that last night’s awards are there to celebrate individual performances across all age groups, as well as celebrate the success of our Premiership-winning Harold Matts team and Harvey Norman team.
Well done to all the award winners, and particularly to Joe on taking out the Kelly-Barnes Medal.
Wests Tigers CEO, Justin Pascoe
“We have made a lot of progress in many areas of the business, but we must continue to strive to be the best we can be both on and off the field in 2023 and beyond.
"Last night represented a closing of one chapter and new beginning for the club.
“To those leaving the club, I want to thank each of you for your contributions, hard work and commitment to this club and wish you the very best of luck with your future pursuits.
"I also want to extend my thanks to all the Wests Tigers staff, volunteers and interns who work so hard day in day out, week in week out for this club.”
