Joel Luani has been named Wests Tigers NSW Cup Player’s Player while Asipeli Fine has won as the NSW Cup Coaches Award at the Club’s 2014 Grand Final Lunch.
Both Luani and Fine featured heavily in Wests Tigers’ NSW Cup team in 2014 as they progressed to the first round of the finals, before losing their elimination final to Wyong.
The pair also spent time in first-grade this season for Wests Tigers as a reward for their strong form in the NSW Cup competition, with Luani playing six games and Fine two.
Having come through the junior ranks at Wests Tigers — featuring in the Club’s NYC premiership-winning side in 2012 — Luani enjoyed a breakout season in 2013, making his NRL debut against the Parramatta Eels in Round 22 before representing the USA Tomohawks at the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.
The Five Dock junior then built on that platform this season in the Club’s NSW Cup side, providing invaluable leadership and energy in the middle of the field.
Also part of the Club’s 2012 NYC premiership-winning side, Fine won the NSW Cup Coaches Award in 2013 with a number of strong performances. The Mascot Jets junior provided more of the same in 2014 as he starred in both positions — scoring four tries — before finishing the year in first-grade due to a season-ending injury to Tim Simona.
Fine will join the extended full-time NRL squad in 2015 after signing a contract extension that will see him remain at the Club until at least the end of the 2016 season.
Player Profiles
Joel Luani |
|
Asipeli Fine |
16th February, 1992 |
D.O.B. |
26th October, 1992 |
Hooker |
Position |
Centre, Second Row, Wing |
R22, 2013 (vs. Parramatta Eels) |
Club Debut |
R25, 2014 (vs. Canberra Raiders) |
USA Tomohawks (2013) |
Honours |
N/A |
