Sport
Shepparton Bulls’ Danny Patea and Shepparton Eagles’ Joe Tunumafono and Deborah Fili win player of the year awards
The waking giants of Shepparton’s rugby union and league scenes are causing a shake across the state.
With Shepparton Bulls (union) and Shepparton Eagles (league) capturing the flag during the 2024 season, the honours have continued to roll on as the temperature rises.
Recently, Bulls’ flying fullback Danny Patea was named Rugby Victoria’s Dynasty Premiership Player of the Year, beating out several of Melbourne’s finest to collect the competition’s highest individual honour.
Patea broke games open with his electric speed, scoring 12 tries for the Bulls during their premiership campaign which included a haul of three against Wyndham in round nine.
He also proved to be an ace from the conversion tee, taking on the goal kicking duties for the Vibert Reserve tenants.
Patea has been a staple among the Bulls’ backline since arriving at the club in 2022, with the Samoa-born gun receiving regular praise from coach Moronae Silaga.
But he wasn’t the only one to scoop the pool from Shepparton.
Shepparton Eagles boasted two players to light up the league awards night, one of which starred as the side clinched the Goulburn Murray Storm Men’s Premiership at the first time of asking after the club was established earlier in the year.
Eagles’ five-eighth and skipper Joe Tunumafono was rewarded with the competition’s player of the year gong following a stellar season that bore representation rights.
Tunumafono was called up to Victoria Country in July and featured as the side beat Victoria Metro 28-12 in a City versus Country exhibition.
Meanwhile, Eagles’ women’s captain and gun halfback Deborah Fili also claimed the player of the year gong for the Goulburn Murray Storm Women’s League Tag competition.
Like Tunumafona, Fili stepped up for state duties and scored two tries for Victoria Country during the Combined Affiliated States Championship in late September.