It might go down in NRLW history as the ‘miracle medal’ – Harvey Norman NSW Sky Blues prop Sarah Togatuki winning the Karyn Murphy Medal in Sunday’s Grand Final after having a judiciary charge downgraded in order to play.
The Roosters' forward's initial charge from the Semi-finals would have rubbed her out of the NRLW decider against the Dragons, but she managed to get the reduced penalty despite pleading guilty.
Following her stellar performance on Sunday, Togatuki becomes the first Sky Blue and non-Broncos player to win the Karyn Murphy Medal after Kimiora Nati (2018), Annette Brander (2019) and Amber Hall (2020).
Togatuki thanked as many as she could when called to the stage to accept the ‘Player of the Match’ honour at Redcliffe’s Moreton Daily Stadium.
“Thank you my Dragons sisters – we knew it wasn’t going to be easy – for giving us the toughest match of the season,” Togatuki said, before thanking opposing captain and NSW teammate Kezie Apps, and all the game and individual team sponsors.
“Please forgive me if I forgot anyone out there.”
She then turned to her Roosters teammates and coaching staff, heaping praise on their persistence.
“To my sisters and Corban McGregor our captain, thank you sis for showing us the way for our team.
“We know we didn’t have the greatest start to the campaign but we thank our families and all our supporters near and far for having the belief.
“Thank you to ‘Strangey’ (John Strange) our coach, without you we wouldn’t have the finals season we’ve had,” Togatuki said.
“To Sharpie (Matt Sharp) and Queen Kylie (Kylie Hilder) – our assistant coaches. Thanks for leading the middles and the edges. Without you the team wouldn’t have executed the way we played today.
“I feel undeserving of this medal. If I could share this medal into so many pieces I’d give it to every player that’s taken the field in the Grand Final. God bless and take care everyone.”
The 25-year-old certainly earned her medal from her 49 minutes on the field, having 13 runs for 161 metres, a line-break and five tackle busts. Togatuki also made 21 tackles without missing any, and was error-free for the game.
The Glenmore Park Brumbies junior has been a part of the 2020 and 2021 Sky Blues teams.
