Vodafone Warriors Siliva Havili (NRL) and Toafofoa Sipley (NYC) have been included in the 2015 academic teams of the year.
Hooker Havili was named after graduating with a Bachelor of Health Science (podiatry) from the Auckland University of Technology (AUT).
And front rower Sipley, who joins the club’s NRL squad next season, was honoured in the NYC team. He is studying a Bachelor of Education (physical education) at the University of Auckland.
Selection in the teams is awarded to players who are a positive influence within their club and have demonstrated a long-term and genuine commitment to educational pursuits. The teams acknowledge the significant role further education and workplace training plays across the game, and consists of players currently engaged in university studies, trades and other vocational training.
NRL ACADEMIC TEAM OF THE YEAR
Brisbane Broncos | Todd Lowrie | Certificate IV in Project Management, Certificate IV in Frontline Management, Certificate IV in Small Business, Certificate III in Property (real estate)
Canberra Raiders | David Shillington | Bachelor of Business (Canberra University)
Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs | Brett Morris | Diploma of Business, Bachelor of Business (finance)
Gold Coast Titans | Luke Douglas | Associate Degree in Surveying (University of Southern Queensland), Certificate IV in Career Development (Australian Trade College)
Melbourne Storm | Dale Finucane | Bachelor of Health and Movement (Australian College of Physical Education)
North Queensland Cowboys | Rory Kostjasyn | Certificate III in Sport & Recreation, Certificate III & IV in Fitness, Certificate IV in Frontline Management
Parramatta Eels | David Gower | Certificate IV in Career Development
St George Illawarra Dragons | George Rose | Graduate Certificate in Commerce (University of Sydney)
St George Illawarra Dragons | Joel Thompson | Diploma of Community Services (TAFE Illawarra)
Sydney Roosters | Sam Moa | Certificate III in Building & Construction, Certificate IV in Career Development
Vodafone Warriors | Siliva Havili | Bachelor of Health Science (podiatry) (Auckland University of Technology)
Wests Tigers | James Tedesco | Bachelor of Health and Exercise Science (Australian Catholic University)
Wests Tigers | Keith Galloway | Certificate IV in Career Development (Career Development Campus)
NYC ACADEMIC TEAM OF THE YEAR
Brisbane Broncos | Jack Tuttle | Bachelor of Business (Queensland University of Technology)
Canberra Raiders | Lachlan Lewis | Bachelor of Engineering (Australian National University)
Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs | Brandon Luamanu | Certificate III & IV in Fitness, Bachelor of Education - Australian College of Physical Education, teacher’s aide at Dorchester School within Reiby Juvenile Detention Centre
Cronulla Sharks | Bradley Deitz | Bachelor of Health and Exercise Science (Australian Catholic University)
Gold Coast Titans | Hayden Schwass | Certificate III in Electro Technology (Gold Coast Institute of TAFE)
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles | Will Pearsall | Certificate III in Carpentry (Orimbah TAFE)
Melbourne Storm | Shae Ah Fook | Bachelor of Applied Science (Property and Valuation - Honours) (RMIT University)
Newcastle Knights | Bradie Smith | Certificate III in Carpentry, established his own building company (Bradie Smith Carpentry)
North Queensland Cowboys | Kieran Quabba | Bachelor of Education (James Cook University)
Parramatta Eels | Tyrell Fuimaono | Bachelor of Business & Commerce (University of Western Sydney)
Penrith Panthers | Oliver Clark | Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Australian Catholic University)
St George Illawarra Dragons | Jacob Host | Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science (Australian Catholic University)
Vodafone Warriors | Toafofoa Sipley | Bachelor of Education (University of Auckland)
