Blues honour performances on and off field for record 2022 year

Off the back of a season of records, the Blues celebrated performances on and off the field at their Blues Awards function.

The Blues place significant emphasis on supporting their community, with prop James Lay awarded the Mealamu Media as the club person of the year.

Despite being sidelined for 12 months with a foot injury, Lay instead took up the challenge to deliver the Tongan Best Foot Forward appeal which will see many thousands for shoes, boots and sporting equipment shipped to the island that was stricken by the devastating tsunami.

The Mealamu Medal was established in 2015 to recognise Keven Mealamu’s considerable legacy at the club, and is awarded to the person based both on delivery of their core role at the club and who makes a positive and consistent contribution to the Club’s culture.

As well as leading and driving the Tongan Appeal, Lay was a key contributor to helping raise the profile of the team with key media partners.

Hooker Kurt Eklund was voted the club’s Player of the Year, starting in 15 of the 17 games and scoring six tries, second only to Caleb Clarke. He was also awarded the Community Award for his considerable contribution throughout the year to community and club projects.

The nib Blues Women’s Player of the Year is standout loose forward Liana Mikaele-Tu’u who has taken the game by storm. At just 20 years of age, she is a leader in the nib Blues and a force in the international game.

The Blues players’ player of the year award went to new All Black selection, Stephen Perofeta who topped Super Rugby scorers with 129 points and evolved a unique and electric partnership with Beauden Barrett. Perofeta, who has played 45 games for the Blues, was also voted the Back Player of the Year.

The Forward Player of the Year went to captain Dalton Papalii, for his leadership, and storming form both with the ball and defensively.

The nib Blues Forward of the Year went to Black Ferns lock Maiakawanakaulani Roos, another brilliant 20-year-old, who has burst on to both the Super Aupiki competition and the international scene.

The nib Blues Back of the Year went to Ruahei Demant, who showed outstanding form and leadership on and off the field, that has seen her selected as captain of the Black Ferns.

New All Black Roger Tuivasa-Sheck was awarded Rookie of the Year after his outstanding form in converting to the sport.

Halfback Taufa Funaki was the Team Toa Player of the Year, the group of young players who were the key training opposition throughout the season, while Blues Under-20s captain, Wallace Sititi was voted the Development Player of the Year.

Blues chief executive Andrew Hore said that while the season had not ended on the high that the team had hoped for, that the season had significant highlights and progress both on and off the field. He also noted the performance from the entire club around attracting the biggest audience to a domestic rugby match in more than 20 years with the sold-out Super Rugby Pacific final.

Before the hard work begins for the 2023 season, Hore said it was fitting for players, coaches and staff to enjoy the awards evening to join in recognising outstanding performances and contributions.