The Celebrity Apprentice Australia winner says for any young Māori kid growing up in smaller communities, hard work and determination can get success anywhere in the world.
"If you dream big enough you will be amazed at what you can achieve. I was just a young fella from Whakatāne who had no idea what was going to happen to him, then I got an opportunity in Australia and went for it, and worked hard.
"From working hard and dreaming big all those things came true and I'm here today receiving this honour, which for a young Māori boy from Whakatāne is a very proud moment for my whānau."
His service to the sport is far from finished - next year he joins the coaching ranks at his beloved Wests Tigers NRL club. He is encouraging Māori and Pasifika people to also get involved in all aspects of league.
"I'd love to see more Māori and Pacific Islanders in leadership roles, whether that's coaching or captaining their teams.
"The NRL next year is going to be over 50 per cent Pacific Islanders and Māori in the competition. If we can start progressing those participation levels into leadership roles hopefully I can have that impact as well."
Even on a special day, the acknowledgements for his work have been made, and now he's back in Sydney doing the mahi he was recognised for today.
