PARL Celebrates a Historic 2025 Season at Our First Ever Awards Night
- Maria Angelica Flores
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Following our final fixture of the year against Syria, the PARL community came together for something special — our first ever Awards Night.
After a massive year of growth across our junior, women's and representative programs, it felt important to pause, reflect and celebrate the people who helped make 2025 such a memorable season.
The evening wasn't about fancy suits or formalities.
It was about bringing together players, coaches, volunteers, families and supporters to share a meal, enjoy a few drinks, have a laugh, and recognise the incredible efforts of our community throughout the year.
For many, it was the first time everyone had the chance to come together away from the field and celebrate what had been achieved both individually and collectively.
A Year Worth Celebrating
2025 was one of the biggest years in PARL history.
Across all age groups and programs, players proudly represented their Filipino heritage, embraced new opportunities, and continued building the future of Filipino rugby league in Australia.
From junior development programs through to representative teams, every player, coach, volunteer and family member played a role in helping our organisation continue to grow.
That's why we felt it was time to introduce an annual awards night — a chance to recognise the people who consistently go above and beyond for the jersey and the community.
How the Awards Were Chosen
The awards process was built around the people who know our players best.
Coaches from each program submitted nominations based on commitment, attitude, leadership, performance and contribution throughout the season.
From there, the PARL leadership team reviewed nominations and voted on the final recipients.
The result was a group of deserving winners who embody the values of Professionalism, Attitude, Respect and Leadership that continue to shape our organisation.
Congratulations to Our 2025 Award Winners
Volunteer of the Year
Erick Elafante Award 🏆 Winner: Gel Flores
Club Person of the Year
Stef Brown & Fred Arquiza Award🏆 Winner: Isaac Rosario & Nik Forrest
Chairman's Award
Michael Godfrey Award🏆 Winner: Isaac Rosario & Nik Forrest
Under 16 Boys Player of the Season
Jason Carter Trophy🏆 Winner: Billie Caton
Under 18 Boys Player of the Season
Rez Phillips & Luke Srama Trophy🏆 Winner: Drake Ayres
Under 16 Girls Player of the Season
Renee Targett Trophy🏆 Winner: To be confirmed
Under 18 Girls Player of the Season
Jackie Lyden Trophy🏆 Winner: Mia Huckstadt
Tala Rising Player of the Season
Benji De Ubago Trophy🏆 Winner: To be confirmed
Admirals Player of the Season
Arwin Marcus Trophy🏆 Winner: To be confirmed
Sampaguitas Player of the Season
Tammy Fletcher Trophy🏆 Winner: To be confirmed
Tamaraw Player of the Season
Paul Sheedy Trophy🏆 Winner: To be confirmed
Beyond the recipients themselves, each award was named in honour of individuals whose contributions have helped shape Filipino rugby league in Australia. Their legacies continue to inspire the next generation of players and leaders within our community.
Thank You
A huge thank you goes to everyone who helped organise the evening behind the scenes.
Events like this only happen because volunteers step up, give their time and work together to create something meaningful for the community.
Thank you also to every player, family member, coach, volunteer and supporter who attended. The atmosphere throughout the night reminded us exactly why PARL is so special.
The rugby league season may have ended, but the friendships, memories and community connections built throughout the year continue long after the final whistle.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we close the chapter on a memorable 2025 season, we do so with excitement for what's ahead.
The foundations continue to grow stronger. New opportunities are emerging. More players are coming through the pathways. And our community continues to unite around a shared vision for Filipino rugby league in Australia.
Congratulations to all our award winners and nominees.
Thank you for representing our community with pride.
We can't wait to see what 2026 brings.
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