The 2023 Western Force annual Awards Night saw new recruits take the top honours as the prestigious Nathan Sharpe and Rebecca Clough medals were announced in front of the Sea of Blue.
Celebrating the most consistent player for the 2023 season, the Nathan Sharpe Medal has been awarded to English powerhouse Sam Spink while the Rebecca Clough Medal was awarded to Martha Mataele for her dominance in the Super W competition this season.
Tallying a total of 126 votes from his peers, Spink had one of the most impressive Super Rugby Pacific debuts in recent memory, starting at centre for 11 matches and notching two of his three tries against the Rebels in Round 14.
The dynamic defender finished 51 and 52 votes clear of second and third place alongside fellow Englishman Zack Kibirige (75) and Argentinian Prop Santiago Medrano (74).
In the end, Spink sprinted home on the scoreboard in the final three matches, near doubling his tally and solidifying his deserving honours.
General Manager of Rugby, Matt Hodgson said both recipients' recognition this season was thoroughly deserved, and he can’t wait to see what they can add to the side in future years with the club.
“Across the entire year Sam (Spink) proved to us that he had ability, the ball runner made an impact on both sides of the ball in nearly every game he played,” Hodgson said.
“He’s definitely a well-deserved winner and he represented the club well throughout the season, especially in critical moments for us.
“Sam really stepped up when it counted when you look at the last three games of the year, he really changed the momentum for us.
Known for his power through contact, footwork, and acceleration, Spink signed with the Force prior to the season from Gallagher Premiership Rugby side the Wasps RFC.
After a nine-year stint with the Wasps, Spink was ready for a new challenge in Perth and came in determined to take his game to a new level on the other side of the world in Super Rugby Pacific.
“It’s not just his ability to carry and get us over the game line that was important for us this year, but it was his ability on defence – he saved a number of crucial tries against us this season as well,” Hodgson explained.
“Moving to Perth was a significant step in Sam’s career and the way he’s adjusted to the climate here has been impressive. The way he bought into the group and bought into the Western Force culture and identity was truly special to see.”
In Super W this season, Martha Mataele was a clear standout on the wing, as a result, was named the second-ever recipient of the Rebecca Clough medal after WA-born Tameka Jones was named the inaugural recipient at last year’s awards night.
Mataele scored 4 tries across the season, crossing the line in three of the games she played. She became one of the most feared players in the competition and was absolutely unstoppable with the ball in hand.
“As soon as Martha came into camp, we knew she would bring another level of professionalism to our side coming from New Zealand,” Hodgson said.
“It was clear to see early in the season that she is a quality footballer not only with the ability to play at a high level well but also having an in-depth knowledge of how the game should be played – she is truly something special.
(Martha) Mataele came to the Force from New Zealand to reunite with her partner Manasa prior to the start of the year, together they formed the most dominant husband and wife duo in the country, both playing for the Force.
Previously playing in Super Rugby Aupiki and Farah Palmer Cup competitions in New Zealand, Mataele brought another level of experience and leadership to what was one of the younger sides in the competition.
“Her ability to get over the game line and carry the ball with aggression was key to her success, she had no fear, and we asked a lot of her this year, so it was exciting to see her succeed,” Hodgson said.
“While her play on the field was world-class, I think Martha really shines off the field mentoring our younger players.
“For a lot of the rookies this year it was the first time they’d ever been on tour and Martha taught them how to get through that.”
2023 Award Winners
Nathan Sharpe Medal: Sam Spink
Rebecca Clough Medal: Martha Mataele
Rising Star: Marley Pearce
Rising Star: Samantha Wood
Super Rugby Pacific Members’ MVP: Issak Fines-Leleiwasa
Super W Members’ MVP: Martha Mataele
Force Man Award: Jeremy Williams
Force Woman Award: Sera Ravatudei and Trilleen Pomare
Adrian Blacker Award: Justin Shakeshaft
Nathan Sharpe Medal – Honour Roll
2022 - Tim Anstee and Manasa Mataele
2021 – Kane Koteka
2020 – Fergus Lee-Warner
2019 – Issak Fines-Leleiwasa
2018 – Brynard Stander
2017 – Isi Naisarani
2016 – Dane Haylett-Petty
2015 – Ben McCalman
2014 – Matt Hodgson
2013 – Kyle Godwin
2012 – David Pocock
2011 – David Smith
2010 – Matt Hodgson
2009 – Matt Hodgson
2008 – Ryan Cross
2007 – Matt Giteau
2006 – Scott Staniforth
Rebecca Clough Medal - Honour Roll
2022- Tamika Jones
