Thomas Mikaele named 2019 NRL Rookie of the Year
Wests Tigers forward Thomas Mikaele has capped off a superb debut season by taking out the 2019 NRL Rookie of the Year Award tonight at the club's end-of-season Presentation Night.
Having made his debut in the club's season opener against the Sea Eagles, the 21-year-old Mikaele played in 23 of a possible 24 games for Michael Maguire's throughout the year — ending the season as the club's starting prop forward.
Mikaele took out the award ahead of fellow youngsters Luke Garner and Paul Momirovski, who were also recognised for their impressive seasons.
A Goodna Eagles junior who came through the development system at Wests Tigers, Mikaele finished the season just shy of 2,000 metres gained with an average of 86.5 metres per game — over a third of which came post-contact.
The powerful prop registered an impressive 92.3% tackle efficiency throughout the year while also adding 16 tackle breaks and 20 offloads to his name.
Mikaele was rewarded with his stellar form with a contract extension that will see him remain with Wests Tigers until the end of the 2021 season.
Wests Tigers would like to congratulate Thomas on his award!
WESTS TIGERS ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
- 2019 — Thomas Mikaele
- 2018 — Esan Marsters
- 2017 — Jacob Liddle
- 2016 — Josh Aloiai
- 2015 — Kyle Lovett
- 2014 — Luke Brooks
- 2013 — James Tedesco
- 2012 — Marika Koroibete and Curtis Sironen
- 2011 — Aaron Woods
- 2010 — Simon Dwyer
- 2009 — Blake Ayshford
- 2008 — Tim Moltzen
- 2007 — Chris Lawrence
- 2006 — Shannon McDonnell
