Joel Bunt Memorial Award -
Making a Difference
Joel Bunt played 51 games from Under 10s to Under 14s and unfortunately passed away from cancer in the 2004 pre-season. Joel was always a ‘bright light’ and passionate about his Rugby - and an excellent contributor to team morale.
The memorial award is presented to a player from the Juniors most senior team, the coaches and manager selecting a player who has ‘made a difference’ during the year.
Recipients have been:
2022: Jack Davison
2021 : Jude Griggs
2020 : No award presented - COVID pandemic caused cancellation of competitions
2019 : Alexis Grieve & Angel Ngungutau
2018 : No award presented - rebuilding year for Juniors
2017 : No award presented – rebuilding year for Juniors
2015-2016 : No awards presented – no junior teams
2014 : Chase Hicks
2013 : Andy Finau
2012 : Kerry Skelton
2011 : Cooper Lewis
2010 : Mitchell Anderson
2009 : Dylan Heins
2008 : Nicholas Pratt
2007 : Daniel Cairns
2006 : Malcolm Kelly
2005 : Daniel Hipwell
2004 : Joshua Ireland
(First awarded 2004)
Sam Mauli Memorial Award -
For Dedication to Their Game
Sam Mauli played 72 games for the Juniors between 2001 and 2009 and was a Hunter representative in 2008 and 2009. He was dedicated to Rugby both on and off the field and lived for the game, concentrating in his own training program despite illness.
The memorial trophy is presented to a club person committed and dedicated to bettering their game, not only on training and game days but also by working on his or her game in their own time.
Recipients have been:
2022: Dylan Gibbs
2021 : Pandora Green
2020 : No award presented - COVID pandemic caused cancellation of competitions
2019 : Dylan Gibbs
2018 : Samuel Ngungutau
2017 : No award presented – rebuilding year for Juniors
2015-2016 : No awards presented – no junior teams
2014 : Taulogo Lalaga
2013 : Bayley Watson
2012 : Thomas Baker
2011 : Samuel Hefren & Jono Burke
2010 : Jonti Crockett
2009 : Dom Barbagallo
(First awarded 2009)
Bryan Tolhurst Memorial Award -
Junior Player of the Year
Bryan Tolhurst was a Life Member of The Waratahs (and Newcastle Hunter Junior Rugby Union) and a long-time supporter of both the Juniors and the Seniors. He had three sons, five grandsons, one son-in-law and one-daughter-in-law who all played for The Waratahs.
The memorial award is made available to a young player who is committed and dedicated to the club, the recipient displaying sportsmanship and improvement in his or her game.
Recipients have been:
2023: Andrei Gerardi
2022: Molly Chatillon (Under 14s)
2021 : Keisha Rangi-Garnham
2020 : No award presented - COVID pandemic caused cancellation of competitions
2019 : Connor Martel
2018 : Cooper Robinson
2017 : Dominic Jenkins
2015-2016 : No awards presented – no junior teams
2014 : Darcy Dyer
(First awarded 2014)