Janita Kareta has paid tribute to her teammates for helping her grow as a player, after being awarded the 2020 Super W Player of the Year award.
“I’ve worked so hard the past three years to get to where I am in rugby now and to receive the MVP, means so much.
“Hats off to my teammates for giving me this opportunity to receive this award in the first place.
“I’m very honoured.”
Kareta produced an outstanding season for the Rebels, leading the team in carries and tackles in 2020.
The talented prop credited a strong pre-season and the first taste of international action, for her eye-catching consistency this year.
“Going to the gym at least three days a week helped me in the scrums and my ball carrying.
“Working on my legs to be strong has made me be able to push all the way for a full eighty-minute game.
“Also coming back from Fiji (with the Australia A development squad) motivated me to work even harder.”
Kareta paid tribute to both her parents, who played major roles in this year’s dazzling success.
“Dad and Mum have always been there for me.
“To have support like them makes me more motivated than I already have been to become the rugby player I’d wish to be.”
Despite the individual accolades, upon reflection, Kareta says her favourite moment of the season was being part of the Rebels historic Super W breakthrough victory in Perth.
“My fondest memory this year was definitely our win against WA.
“I’ve been in this program from the very start, so coming home with our first victory was definitely the best feeling ever."
As to what the Melbourne faithful can expect to see from their MVP for next season, Kareta believes more of the same, but on a greater scale.
“Definitely more carries and tackles.
“And to qualify for the World Cup.”
