Switching codes has panned out well for the Auckland Rugby League women's player of the year.

Una Sili plays for the Bay Roskill Vikings Rugby League Club where she is captain of the women's team.

She'd played rugby union since high school before joining her side four years ago.

"Friends who played here just kept telling me to come down for a run and I do love it way more," she says.

"I feel a lot more supported by the club and I've really connected with the other girls and their families.

"We all stay behind after the games and have a drink and the boys come down and watch us," she says.

Sili also played for the Auckland representative team at the women's national tournament in Gisborne this year.

Bay Roskill Vikings club secretary and Sili's team manager Mike Smith says it's usually the player of the tournament from this competition that gets Auckland player of the year.

This time it went to a Gisborne player though so Auckland Rugby League had to make a tough decision about who to give their award to.

Mr Smith says it was Sili's extremely dedicated team spirit that made her stand out.

"She's been absolutely fantastic as a captain and she has taken on about half of my managing role as well.

"Una's got a wonderful nature and she's always willing to step in and help out in the club."

Sili says she has had a good season, but was surprised when her manager told her she'd won.

"I didn't even know it existed."

She says she would like to play for the Kiwi Ferns one day.

- © Fairfax NZ News