Three Parramatta Eels players were recognised at the 2024 Wellbeing and Education Academic Excellence Awards at the opening of the National Wellbeing and Education Conference in Sydney.
Kennedy Cherrington won the Pasifika Leadership & Excellence Award (NRLW), Taneka Todhunter won the Vocational Player of the Year (NRLW), and Pihuka Berryman-Duff was inducted into the Academic Team of the Year.
Parramatta Eels Chief Executive, Jim Sarantinos said, “On behalf of the Eels we congratulate Kennedy, Taneka and Pihuka on their awards in recognition of their achievements and excellence off the field.”
“The Parramatta Eels Education and Wellbeing program is ranked number one across the league and these awards are fantastic recognition of the work undertaken by our education and wellbeing team to ensure our players live balanced lifestyles and give back to the community.”
Kennedy Cherrington was thrilled to accept the Pasifika Leadership & Excellence award (NRLW) which recognises and celebrates NRL and NRLW players from a Pasifika and Māori heritage who are leading the way on the field within their club, and as well as off the field.
“I am grateful to have received such a prestigious award, and to play a game where diversity and multiculturalism is celebrated,” said Cherrington, who recently celebrated her 25th game NRLW milestone.
“I couldn’t have done this without the support from the Parramatta Eels and my family who have laid the foundation of who I am today. I am proud to be a Māori,” she added.
Taneka Todhunter, winner of the Vocational Player of the Year (NRLW), said, “As a young woman from Dubbo, I am proud to win this award in recognition of my studies, the effort that I have put into rugby league, and my family who drove me hours to training and my match days. I am proud to be a trailblazer for country girls who want to make it in the NRLW.”
Inductee to the Academic Team of the Year, Pihuka Berryman-Duff said, “Winning this award makes me proud and happy because it shows that all my hard work and dedication towards my studies has paid off. It motivates me to keep doing my best and to embrace the challenges ahead.”
This year 98 nominations were received from the 17 NRL and 10 NRLW clubs, with the winners declared by a judging panel consisting of an NRL and RLPA representative along with a subject matter expert in each award category.
Each award recipient took home a $5,000 education grant from the RLPA Individual Player Education Grants Program to be used for professional development purposes to enhance their career and business aspirations.
The Parramatta Eels provide an Education and Wellness program for all players across NRL, NRLW and pathways to ensure our players have life skills and an education beyond their football careers.