Barnstorming backrower Viliame Kikau has received the Club’s highest honour, named as the 2024 Dr George Peponis Medallist.
Dr George Peponis Medal – Bulldogs 2024 NRL Player of the Year: Viliame Kikau
Coming back from a tough year that saw him make just nine appearances, Viliame Kikau was a force to be reckoned with throughout the 2024 season and was a key figure in the Club’s return to the finals.
The Fijian international enjoyed one of his best seasons in the NRL to date, appearing in 22 matches which saw him score four tries, create a further four, offload 41 times and break the line on 10 occasions.
A pillar on the left side, Kikau was a key member of a formidable combination with new pairing Bronson Xerri and Josh Addo-Carr and stood up as a leader of the side on numerous occasions.
Kikau also celebrated his 150-game milestone in style as the Bulldogs defeated the Dragons 28-10 in Round 23.
"It wasn't the year that I envisioned last year coming to a new Club," Kikau admitted.
"Going into a new environment, you want to make a good first impression. That was my mindset coming in last year and it didn't go to plan.
"I was very disappointed in myself, but 12 months later there have been a lot of changes and it really means a lot.
"Like the boys and coaches have explained, everyone has bought into what we're trying to do at this Club. It's about putting the Club first, team second and yourself as an individual third.
"If I could, I would cut up this Award and give a piece to all my teammates who deserve this.
"We've got another job to do this Sunday. The job's not done yet, it's just getting started."
2024 Players’ Player of the Year: Jacob Kiraz
Fan favourite and local junior Jacob Kiraz has been voted by his peers as the 2024 Players’ Player for 2024.
With a burning desire to win and wholehearted efforts throughout the season, Kiraz was one of just three players to feature in all 24 of the side’s regular season matches.
The St Johns junior scored 11 tries from an impressive 17 linebreaks, averaging 190 metres with the ball in hand per game.
Kiraz displayed his team-first ethos when injury struck, selflessly playing at centre, on the wing and deputising at fullback when required. Following two thrilling Golden Point victories, Kiraz has averaged more than 80 minutes per game, having played every minute of the season so far.
A humble Kiraz spoke on accepting the Award, and cited the close bond within the NRL squad.
"It means heaps coming from the boys," Kiraz said.
"It's an Award from those you go out and play your heart out with every week. It means the world to me.
"I love this group of boys. There have been so many new recruits but we've bonded so well. I'm sure there would be a lot of others who deserve this award.
"I'm truly grateful and blessed."
Steve Mortimer Medal – Bulldogs 2024 Rookie of the Year: Bailey Hayward
Local junior Bailey Hayward has claimed the 2024 Steve Mortimer Medal for Rookie of the Year after an impressive first year in the top grade.
Making his NRL debut in the narrow 16-14 defeat to Melbourne in Round 6, Hayward’s versatility shone through as he solidified a spot on the Bulldogs’ interchange bench.
The 23-year-old featured in 19 matches across the season, and was a focal point of the side’s attack, frequently linking up with the halves in the unfamiliar positions of lock and hooker.
"It's an honour. I think there were a few worthy contenders like Harry Hayes and Lipoi Hopoi who have been good all year," Hayward explained.
"To be named Rookie of the Year after Steve Mortimer, an absolute legend of the Club, it's an honour and a privilege and something I won't forget."
Carroll & O’Dea Bulldogs 2024 Members Player of the Year and Les Johns Medal for Clubperson of the Year: Stephen Crichton
Captain Stephen Crichton has been voted as both the Carroll & O’Dea Members Player of the Year and the Les Johns Medal Clubperson of the Year for 2024.
In his first season at the Club, Crichton’s influence and leadership was evident from the pre-season, which saw him lead the Bulldogs to the NRL Finals series for the first time since 2016.
Adding plenty of class and strike power out wide, the 23-year-old displayed maturity beyond his years, continually standing up in big moments on the field and influencing his peers off the field.
Whether in and around the coaches’ box while unavailable to play or making his presence known within the local community, Crichton has been instrumental in helping to shape the Club’s culture in 2024.
A gracious Crichton touched on the impact the Club has had in his first season at Belmore.
"It means a lot," Crichton said after accepting his Awards.
"It's a proud Club and we have a very special group going into the semi-finals.
"To be recognised for this is truly a privilege and I know there were a lot of players who could have gotten this Award as well and to be chosen on behalf of them is really special."
2024 Bulldogs Coaches Award & Community Service Award: Toby Sexton
One of the shining lights in attack, Toby Sexton has claimed the Club’s Coaches Award as well as the Community Service Award for 2024 in just his second season as a Bulldog.
His determination and work ethic in the first half of the season whilst playing NSW Cup saw him promoted to the NRL side’s starting halfback in Round 12. In his 15 appearances, Sexton steered the side with poise to set up 11 tries, force 14 dropouts and create 8 linebreaks, with his agility and directive skills becoming a fierce pillar of the side’s attack.
Showing a desire to work with the community post-career, Toby has been heavily involved in the Club’s community initiatives this year, often volunteering his time on days off or in between training sessions.
Nominated for the 2024 Ken Stephen Medal - Man of the Year, the 23-year-old led the way on multiple occasions: leading volunteering programs, fundraising efforts and inspiring students during school visits.
Sexton spoke on the monumental move down to Sydney, one that has proven to be career-defining.
"I was in a position of my career last year where I didn't really know where my footy was going or what my future looked like," Sexton explained.
"Cam [Ciraldo] and Gus [General Manager of Football Phil Gould] took a massive gamble on me. It's been the best thing I've ever done, to leave the Gold Coast and my family to come down to Sydney.
"It's where I am now. I'm still shocked but I'm so grateful."
