It was a night of celebrations and recognition for the 2024 Canterbury-Bankstown District Junior Rugby League (CBDJRL) on Thursday, 24 October, with the twelve clubs and the wider Football Club coming together to reflect on another successful year.
Held in the Paragon Room at Canterbury League Club and emceed by Bill Woods, a host of players, staff, volunteers and officials were acknowledged for their invaluable contributions to the 2024 season with over 180 in attendance.
The prestigious 2024 Club of the Year Award went to the Berala Bears, while Mark Weller was celebrated with the Sandy Steuerwald Volunteer of the Year award.
Adam Williams was also bestowed with Life Membership for his selfless commitment to his many roles as both a volunteer and official.
The guest list for the night included the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Bankstown, Bilal El-Hayek and Karl Saleh, corporate partners and sponsors from both the Bulldogs junior and senior divisions as well as Junior League Life Members, Board Members of the Canterbury League Club and executive members of the Canterbury Referee’s Association.
Football Club staff, executives and Directors including Deputy Chairman John Khoury and CEO Aaron Warburton were also in attendance to celebrate the next generation of Bulldogs players.
Four clubs - St George Dragons, St Johns Eagles, St Christophers and Milperra Colts - were recognised for their outstanding contribution to the Football Club in 2024.
Each club was awarded $500 per year that 2024 NRL debutants Bailey Hayward, Lipoi Hopoi and Jonathan Sua played with them as juniors, further highlighting the invaluable role that the junior league clubs play in forging future talent in the Canterbury-Bankstown district.
Club Legend Josh Reynolds alongside the 2024 debutants shared memorable highlights from their own junior league journeys to inspire youngsters in attendance, while also highlighting the importance of their formative development in the CBDJRL.
To cap the already successful night off, Canterbury League Club announced they were continuing the $100 registration player subsidy for the 2025 season to ensure rugby league is the most cost-effective sport to play in the Canterbury-Bankstown area. Registrations for the 2025 season will begin on December 1.
The Bulldogs would like to congratulate the following CBDJRL 2024 Award Winners:
Player Awards
Mod Player of the Year: Ali Hijazi – St Johns Eagles
Junior Female Player of the Year: Tanya Kavapalu – Bankstown Bulls
Junior Male Player of the Year: Tyler Munn – St Christophers
Senior Female Player of the Year: Aliahana Fuimaono – Milperra Colts
Senior Male Player of the Year: Mitchell Gray – East Hills Bulldogs
Female Tag Player of the Year: Stevie Rayner – Moorebank Rams
Life Member Induction
Adam Williams
Junior League Awards
Karen Folkes Award: Tina ‘Aunty’ Shiels – Moorebank Rams
Junior League Appreciation Award: Wayne Oxford – Former Junior League Chairman
Sandy Steuerwald Volunteer of the Year: Mark Weller – Moorebank Rams
Club Championship Awards
Mod Club Championship: Greenacre Tigers
International Club Championship: Greenacre Tigers
Female Cub Championship: East Hills Bulldogs
Overall Club Championship: Greenacre Tigers
Club of the Year: Berala Bears
