PRESS RELEASE
AUSTRALIAN FIJIAN RUGBY LEAGUE (AFRL)
January 09, 2012 – Uate aims to be first player to win back to back honours at Petero Civoniceva Medal Night
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The fifth annual Petero Civoniceva Medal Evening will return to NSW Leagues Club on Saturday January 28 with Knights, Blues and Kangaroos winger Akuila Uate favourite to win the award and become the first player since the awards inception five years ago to win the medal back to back.

The night will also see three members of its inaugural U/16's team nominated for the 2012 James Pickering Rising Star Award.

For AFRL Chairman James Pickering having six of the eight nominees for major awards all former graduates from the AFRL junior program is really satisfying.

"Our board is genuinely excited about this night. I think for a lot of our board who have been there since we revamped the AFRL from the old Fiji A days the young boys that have developed into the players they are now is a great reward for all involved in our association. Its great to see names like Evans, Rokolati and Koroisau under those NRL stars names in our nominations list." said Pickering.

"I know what a buzz this night has become for our younger boys especially when Petero, Lote and all the other NRL stars arrive on the night. We will also welcome our new national team coach Rick Stone on the night to present an award to the top AFRL Fiji Bati Rep for 2011."

Only a limited number of tickets will be sold for the night so the AFRL urges those who wish to attend to get there tickets quickly.

Tickets for the evening can be purchased at South Sydney PCYC (638 Elizabeth st, Redfern) or for more information call South Sydney PCYC on (02) 9319 4240 or Steve Driscoll on 0434 226 666.

Petero Civoniceva Medal Nominations:

Tariq Sims (North Queensland Cowboys)
Akuila Uate (Newcastle Knights)
Wes Naiqama (Newcastle Knights)
Jarryd Hayne (Parramatta Eels)

James Pickering Rising Star Nominations:

Korbin Sims (Newcastle Knights)
Kane Evans (Sydney Roosters)
Apisai Korisau (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Paul Rokolati (Sydney Roosters)

For more info call South Sydney PCYC on 02 9319 4240 or contact Steve Driscoll (AFRL Marketing) on 0434 226 666