WIHONGI’S SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR NOD A LESSON IN LEADERSHIP AND HUMILITY
Though still very much in the ‘young veteran’ class, Riccarton Knights linchpin Jimmy Wihongi’s stellar season of leadership on the paddock and commitment off the field was rewarded with the prestigious Canterbury Rugby League Sportsperson of the Year trophy at Friday’s 2025 CRL Awards.
The 25-year-old himself was left stunned at the accolade, however – marvelling at the revered players engraved on the trophy he now has in his possession.
“Honestly, it was a surprise – I was just waiting for whoever was going to get named and it ended up being me,” Wihongi said afterwards, reflecting the humility he is renowned for as much as his classy ball-playing.
“I’m real grateful for it as well, I’ve seen all the names that were imprinted before me and there’s some great players on there. I’m really humbled for this.
“Obviously it feels good to be recognised, in a way, in front of a lot of people that I’ve looked up to my career. It’s a good feeling, a crazy feeling.”
In a banner for Riccarton Knights – who scooped the coveted CRL Club of the Year prize for 2025 – Wihongi was recognised within his own club by receiving multiple awards for his skill, dedication and teamwork.
Meanwhile, Wihongi’s commitment to supporting others, including coaching juniors, his talent and leadership are having a lasting impact on the wider rugby league community.
KNIGHTS EYE ONE LAST CONQUEST AFTER HISTORIC GRAND FINAL CHARGE
The five-eighth was brilliant in the Knights’ drive to their first grand final appearance in 21 years, including a two-try performance in the 36-16 preliminary final victory over Halswell Hornets.
Wihongi was also Riccarton’s sole tryscorer in a tough 30-6 grand final defeat to Linwood.
“Getting to the grand final, it was such a big year for the club and a good year for all of us,” Wihongi reflected.
“But the result has made us more hungry for next year.
“I’m ready for next year, after losing the grand final it’s just built a hunger in me and we want to learn from that and try to be better next time and win one.”
Wihongi has been a mainstay for the Trillo Metals Men’s Canterbury Bulls for several years – encompassing some notable highs and difficult lows on the NZRL National Men’s Premiership stage. He was a driving force as the team swept their South Island rivals to reach the final in 2025.
As well as handling the goalkicking duties, he scored tries in convincing wins over Aoraki and Wellington. In something of a repeat of his experience at club level, the Trillo Metals Men’s Canterbury Bulls’ campaign ended with a 46-0 loss to Counties Manukau in the final.
But Wihongi is again using that result as a spur for 2026 – as well as focusing on the positives.
“During the first years [I played for the Bulls], we were really high up there – we made finals against Akarana and Auckland – then there’s been some down times, when we lost Otago and got graded down to another level.
“But it’s been good this year. Obviously the result in the final wasn’t good, but I feel like we’ve got a lot of talent down here that we can really lock down.”
After making his premier debut for Papanui, Wihongi had more reason than most to celebrate his club’s MoU with the Tigers, who served as the Knights’ CRL ISC Sports Canterbury Cup affiliate in 2025.
In another highlight in a season brimming with them, he also had the opportunity to pull the boots on alongside younger brother Jesse again.
“It was good to have Papanui over at Riccarton this year and connect with all the boys there that I grew up with and got to play with when I was real young.
“[Jesse’s] got a lot of footy to unlock and potential to unlock. He’s a really footy-minded kind of player – he’s always telling me what to do!”
