Vatuvei nominated for Women In League 'Favourite Son' Award

by NRL

Veteran Warriors winger Manu Vatuvei has been singled out as one of 10 NRL players vying for the annual Women In League 'Favourite Son' Award.

The 26-year-old, who's only seven games short of his 150th appearance for the club, is a previous winner of the club's premier awards for both on the field and off the field achievements.

He was Vodafone Warriors One Community ambassador in 2009 after winning the Club Person of the Year honour in 2008; and in 2010 he was named the Lion Red Player of the Year.

Along with the other nine players in contention for the 'Favourite Son' accolade, Vatuvei has been singled out for his all-round attributes.

"The Women in League Favourite Son Award recognises the contribution of an NRL player at premiership level who embodies the values and qualities of a true rugby league ambassador, both on and off the field," said Trish Crews, the ARL Commission's general manager of community, culture and diversity.

"Chosen by the women who love the game, the Favourite Son Award acknowledges a player who acts as a role model for mothers and families; someone who continues to impress us on the field. However, their off-field characteristics embody what it is we love about rugby league."

The other nine players chosen are Braith Anasta (Sydney Roosters), Luke Lewis (Penrith), Terry Campese (Canberra), Kurt Gidley (Newcastle), Matt Bowen (North Queensland), Joe Galuvao (Manly), Ben Creagh (St George Illawarra), Luke Burt (Parramatta) and Luke Bailey (Gold Coast).

On-line voting opens today (May 28) at http://www.rloc.com.au/default.aspx?s=fav-son-nom and closes on June 15 with the winner to be announced at the 2012 Women In League Round Sydney Lunch on June 19.

"This award is about integrity, reputation, good sportsmanship and leadership ? qualities that inspire women to become involved in rugby league whether it may be as a parent, a coach, an executive, a fan or volunteer," said Crews.

"All of the players nominated regularly undertake charity work or play mentoring and leadership roles within their own teams, clubs and local community."

The Favourite Son Award was established in 2009 and past winners include Hazem El Masri (2009), Nathan Hindmarsh (2010) and Petero Civoniceva (2011).

The 2012 Women In League Sydney Luncheon will kick-start a week of celebrations leading up to the official 2012 Women In League Round from June 22-25.

The Women In League initiative, being marked for the sixth time this year, pays tribute to more than 50,000 female volunteers, officials, players, employees and administrators at the heart of the game.

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