You have skipped the navigation, tab for page content

Last night at the annual Rugby League Players Association awards night at The Star, Parramatta Eels co-captain Tim Mannah and Eels NYC centre Dane Aukafolau were named in the NRL Academic Team of the Year and the NYC Academic Team of the Year respectively.

The night recognised the off-field contributions of players through the RLPA-NRL Wellbeing and Education awards with Mannah and Aukafolau being two recipients.

Mannah’s award acknowledged the completion of his Bachelor of Sports Business Degree and his continuing studies in a Diploma of Financial Management.

Tim has also been working in various areas of the business at both PLC and PNRL as part of a Career Transition Plan approved by the NRL.

Aukafolau has been working at Westmead Children’s’ Hospital while completing a Certificate IV in Education Support as part of the highly successful Teachers’ Aide program established by Dean Feeney which has sixteen of the Eels NYC players working in schools as well as the Giant Steps School for autistic students.

Congratulations to both players!

NRL Academic Team of the Year: Tom Opacic (Brisbane), Chad Townsend (Sharks), Damien Cook (Rabbitohs), Jacob Host (Dragons), John Asiata (Cowboys), Christian Welch (Storm), Anthony Don (Titans), Tim Mannah (Eels), Jamie Buhrer (Knights), Ava Seumanufagai (Wests Tigers), Tom Trbojevic (Sea Eagles), Luke Keary (Roosters), Michael Lichaa (Bulldogs)

NYC Academic Team of the Year: Billy Magoulias (Sharks), Blake Manowski (Rabbitohs), Dane Aukafolau (Eels), Eiden Ackland (Warriors), Harry Grant (Storm), Joseph Ratuvakacereivalu (Roosters), Joseph Tramontana (Bulldogs), Liam Martin (Panthers), Mitchell Dunn (Cowboys), Patrick Carringan (Broncos), Royce Tout (Wests Tigers), Stuart Mason (Dragons), Tyrone Roberts-Davis (Titans)

To see all the award winners from the RLPA awards night, click here.

Acknowledgement of Country

Parramatta Eels respect and honour the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.

Major Sponsor

Premier Partners

View All Partners