Four talented youngsters from the Bulldogs Academy have claimed Player of the Year honours for the 2024 season, in the first of the Club’s Dr George Peponis Medal presentation evenings to feature Junior Representatives as a whole of Club celebratory event.
2024 SG Ball Cup Player of the Year: Mitchell Woods
Local junior Mitchell Woods has claimed the SG Ball Cup Player of the Year following a stellar campaign in 2024.
A Harold Matthews Cup graduate, Woods continued his impressive form, playing every game in his first SG Ball Cup campaign. Captaining the side, the no.7 showcased his natural running and kicking abilities, scoring six tries, creating seven more, laying on nine linebreaks and eight linebreak assists while kicking two 40/20s.
After steering the Bulldogs to the 2024 decider, he was named the SG Ball Cup Player of the Series, before representing both NSW in the Under 19s State of Origin and the Australian Schoolboys.
Woods was then elevated to the Club’s Jersey Flegg Cup under Josh Jackson, where he played a key role in helping the side to third on the ladder.
On top of his impressive junior representative achievements, Woods was also called up as a replacement player for the NSW Cup squad in Round 23 – and will be aiming to stake his claim in the open age competition in 2025.
Woods cited the role that SG Ball Head Coach Steve Turner has played in his development.
"He's had a massive influence over me," Woods said.
"When I came back from Christmas into the SG Ball and from then on we built a really close relationship. He isn't just a coach, he's a mentor and he's helped me become a leader.
"It's a cool achievement but I couldn't do it without the players and the coaches around me."
2024 Tarsha Gale Cup Player of the Year: Pauline Suli-Ruka
Bulldogs Academy star Pauline Suli-Ruka has claimed the 2024 Tarsha Gale Cup Player of the Year Award.
A graduate of the Lisa Fiaola Cup, Suli-Ruka’s development has been impressive over the year.
She played a pivotal role in the Tarsha Gale Cup side’s campaign before being elevated to the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership, while representing both the NSW City Under 19s and Australian Schoolgirls side.
Suli-Ruka created history earlier this year by becoming the first player announced to progress from the Bulldogs Academy to the Club’s inaugural NRLW squad in a significant milestone.
Showing gratitude for her achievement, Suli-Ruka spoke about the prospect of playing in the top-flight in 2025.
"It honestly feels so good," she said.
"I did work hard for it, but I didn't expect it at all. It was a hard season, but I'm grateful for the reward.
"To be honest I didn't think I'd get into rugby league, or even the Bulldogs. But I'm excited about being an 18-year-old heading into the NRLW season.
"And I'm really excited to put on that Bulldogs jersey."
2024 Lisa Fiaola Cup Player of the Year: Evelyn Roberts
Five-eighth Evelyn Roberts has been named the 2024 Lisa Fiaola Cup Player of the Year.
In the competition’s inaugural full-season format, the Bulldogs dominated to claim the title, with Roberts front and centre for the charge in the no.6 jersey.
Roberts was instrumental in the 36-nil victory, in the side’s Grand Final victory scoring two tries, and was later named as Player of the Series.
"It's a privilege and honour to be here in the first place," Roberts said.
"Throughout the whole season it just comes to show that myself and my girls have worked to come this far."
2024 Harold Matthews Cup Player of the Year: Paul Henry Johnson
Winger Paul Henry Johnson has claimed the 2024 Harold Matthews Cup Player of the Year award.
After arriving at the Club midway through the 2023 season, Johnson’s hard work and determination shone through during the pre-season, which saw him solidify a spot in the side’s backline.
In a testament to his perseverance and self-belief, Johnson contributed 32 points to his side through an impressive eight tries, featuring in all nine of the Bulldogs’ matches.
The fleet-footed youngster's season was highlighted by an incredible four-try haul against the Melbourne Storm in Round 9 in the final match of the regular season.
"It felt good to be end up getting the award I never expected to get," Johnson said.
"I'm so thankful for the Club to take me in and help me improve. They've improved me as a player and I want to play for the emblem each week."
