“George has a high level of fitness and tackling percentage,” said Manuel-Harman, who is also Tapuae’s fullback and ace goal-kicker.
“He understands my standards and the level of rugby I’m trying to bring to this Poverty Bay competition.
“He is a very good communicator and walks the talk through his actions, his hard work at training and in his own time in the gym.”
Poverty Bay Weka head coach Miah Nikora, with his assistant coaches Ken Houkamau, James Grogan and trainer Adam Cranston, chose Whakatope as this year’s medallist from the list of valuable player awards.
“George carries a massive physical presence in defence and work-rate,” said Nikora.
“Stu Leach and Taine Aupouri of East Coast Farm Vets YMP were very close behind him and very good, but the try double clinched it for George.”
Man of the moment George said: “I’m really proud of my team and the effort we put out there on Saturday.
“To win the medal, to be chosen from among many talented players, was a bonus and a huge honour. I’m happy we got a win for Tapuae. It’s a good start for us.”
Medal winners of the past five years: 2019 Andrew Tauatevalu (HSOB), 2020 Ethine Reeves (Waikohu),
2021 Niko Lauti (YMP), 2022 Stuart Leach, 2023 Isaiah Leach.
