2023 Canterbury Rugby Awards – NPC and FPC Awards
The final video of the 2023 Canterbury Rugby Awards celebrated our top two sides, our NPC and Farah Palmer Cup teams.
Patterson Cup for Most Promising Women’s Player – Laura Bayfield (Linwood)
An impressive debutant in 2023, Laura Bayfield is this year’s recipient of the Patterson Cup for the Most Promising Women’s Player.
From leading the team across a number of key stats, including tackles, and in securing a starting spot, Bayfield became an invaluable member of the Farah Palmer Cup squad that reached their seventh consecutive final.
“Considering the amount of depth and talent that Canterbury has, it means a lot to be considered for this award, I’m extremely honoured.” said Bayfield. “It’s been an unreal year with Canterbury and I’m looking forward to many seasons ahead.”
Bayfield capped off a memorable year with selection in both the Defence Blacks side and the Black Ferns XV.
Finalists: Holly Wratt-Groeneweg (University) and Hannah King (Lincoln University)
NPC Rookie of the Year – Solomon Alaimalo (Sydenham)
Returning to his hometown this season, Sydenham’s Solomon Alaimalo is this year’s NPC Rookie of the Year. Previously playing his professional rugby outside of Canterbury, the St Bede’s Old Boy enjoyed his return to his home province, scoring three tries in the nine games he was involved in.
“I was born in Auckland but raised in Christchurch, a St Bede’s College boy,” said Alaimalo, “I played all my age grade stuff down here as well, so it means a lot, especially rubbing shoulders with the guys that I grew up looking up to in the academy as well, guys like (Luke) Romano, Moods (Joe Moody) and Drummy (Mitch Drummond). It’s been great to be home.”
“I’m an old rookie but it certainly means a lot. I’d like to take this moment to thank Lyn Sanson, someone who was really close to me up north and looked after us on my journey into pro footy.”
Finalists: Tahlor Cahill (Marist Albion), James Mullan (Sydenham), Carisbrook Toomalatai (New Brighton) and Nick Hyde (Glenmark Cheviot)
FPC Player of the Year – Martha Mataele (Christchurch)
A stand out for the energy she brings both on and off the field, Martha Mataele caps off an incredible year by taking out this season’s FPC Player of the Year award.
Martha was an integral part of the Farah Palmer Cup sides run to the finals, playing across the midfield and wing, wherever she was required. Constantly on the scoresheet through her elusiveness and hard running style, making 17 clean linebreaks and scoring nine tries, Martha has backed up her FPC campaign with an inaugural Black Ferns call-up, scoring on debut against the Wallaroos to cap an amazing year for the Christchurch standout.
“It’s pretty special to be recognised with this award.” said Mataele. “I don’t go out there to win awards, I go out there to be the best I can be, but to be rewarded in this way is pretty special.”
“It’s fulfilling to now be in a position to create a pathway for girls’ and people like me to come through and I can show them, if I can do it, so can they too.”
Finalists: Grace Brooker (HSOB) and Lucy Jenkins (Christchurch)
Canterbury Rugby Supporters Club Men’s Player of the Year – Billy Harmon (New Brighton)
Billy Harmon is the Canterbury Rugby Supporters Club Men’s Player of the Year for a second year in a row, with the captain consistently leading his team from the front. Billy was a team leader in more ways in one this season, playing in every game and making 175 tackles at a 94% success rate.
“I suppose to win any award is nice, but I love this team and everything it has provided me and my family.” said Harmon, “I love that I get to play rugby every day as a job. Any award is a result of me wanting to be at my best, and to do my best so I can be a part of Canterbury for as long as I want.”
“The Supporters Club have been a massive part of Canterbury Rugby for a long time now, my grandfather was a member, so it’s special to win this award from them.”
Finalists: Rameka Poihipi and Cullen Grace (both Lincoln University)