Forget the Dally Ms, when it comes to rugby league award shows, nothing tops the Newtown Jets Presentation Night.
Although the season wrapped up sooner than expected, there was still plenty to celebrate, and not just for the players!
Club President Barry Cotter, longtime board member Jeffrey Gabriel and Assistant Coach Michael Dabela were inducted as life members of the Newtown Rugby League Football Club.
Star halfback, Niwhai Puru, had a night to remember, taking home a hat trick of awards including the Members' Player of the Year, the Ken Wilson Memorial Shield for the season's highest point scorer, and the Brian 'Chicka' Moore Shield as the Best and Fairest player of 2025.
It was a great season for Niwhai, who finished the regular season as the second-highest points scorer in the NSW Cup behind the Raiders' Adam Cook. He wasn't the only Puru to take home an award though, with brother Hohepa named Newtown's best forward.
For the second year running, Blake Hosking locked down the award for the most consistent, while Bradley 'Big Red' Fearnley was acknowledged for his outstanding service as a player to the club, with the Fred Daly Memorial Shield.
Despite being unable to defend our premiership, coach George Ndaira still viewed this season as reasonably successful. He also praised the NSW Cup for the vital role it plays in preparing players for the NRL, pointing out how Sharks' back rower and 2024 Newtown skipper Billy Burns experienced a breakout season in 2025 after starring at Cup level.
"It's [first grade] not too far away," Ndaira said.
"Hopefully the guys realise . . . that they're only an opportunity or a step away and when they get it, they make the most of it."
Club CEO Stuart McCarthy gave an inspiring speech, paying tribute to the players' hard work and dedication this season. He reminded all in attendance that Newtown had won four out of five inter-club trophies and that the Jets remain "the coolest club in rugby league."
Club legend Billy Magoulias also announced his retirement following 107 appearances, three grand finals, two premierships and one State Championship win. In his speech, the Greek international highlighted the uniqueness and importance of the club.
"I couldn't play at another NSW Cup team knowing I wasn't able to play first grade because I just enjoy this club," Magoulias said.
At the end of his speech, Ndaira summed up the spirit of Newtown and its 2025 season perfectly.
"To maintain our position in the top five, to keep that momentum building to play some finals footy [comes down to] resilience and the courage and the camaraderie that the team showed," he said.
Award Winners:
o Members' Player of the Year: Niwhai Puru
o Highest Point Scorer: Niwhai Puru
o Top Try Scorer: Michael Gabrael
o Most Consistent: Blake Hosking
o Best Forward: Hohepa Puru
o Coach's Award: Eli Clark
o Barry Vining Memorial Shield (Players' Player): Jayden Berrell
o Brian 'Chicka' Moore Shield (Best and Fairest): Niwhai Puru
o Fred Daly Memorial Shield (Outstanding Service as a Player): Brad Fearnley
o Person of the Year: Craig Tredinnick
