Western Force and Wallabies flanker Carlo Tizzano is soaking in his nomination for WA Sports Star of the Year.
Tizzano and fellow Force star Trilleen Pomare will look to become the first Rugby players to win the award after their confirmation on the shortlist was confirmed on Thursday.
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The flanker is coming off a massive season with the club, winning Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year at the Rugby Australia awards.
It comes after he broke the record for most tries in a season by a forward with 13.
“To be nominated as a finalist for WA Sports Star of the Year in 2025 is pretty surreal. When you look at the athletes who’ve won it in the past, and the calibre of talent across all sports in WA right now, it’s a huge honour to even be in the conversation," Tizzano said in a statement provided.
"I was nominated last year but didn’t make the final shortlist, so to be named a finalist this time around means a lot. I don’t take that lightly at all. It’s a really special moment for me, and I’m genuinely excited to see how it all unfolds.
“To represent the Western Force every single weekend is a massive honour. It’s the team I grew up watching and the team that got me into rugby, especially growing up in an AFL-dominated state. When you look at the calibre of players who’ve pulled on that jersey — particularly the number seven — it’s something I don’t take lightly. Every time I wear it, it honestly feels like playing State of Origin. I’m representing a state I’m incredibly proud of.
"Being able to run out at HBF Park, a place I’ve been going to since I was a kid, with my family in the stands, is really special to me. The first rugby game I ever watched was at that stadium, so to now be creating memories there most weekends is something I’m extremely grateful for.”
Tizzano also played nine Tests in 2025, including the first two games of the British & Irish Lions series.
“I’m an extremely proud Western Australian, and to be one of the few WA-born Wallabies is something I don’t take lightly," he added.
"I see it as a massive responsibility — not just as an athlete, but as a rugby player here in WA — to be someone young kids can look up to and see that this is real and achievable.
"Being a WA-born rugby player is a huge honour for me, but it also comes with responsibility.
"A big driver for me is growing the game in Western Australia, and I genuinely believe that by performing, setting standards, and being the best version of myself, it shows young WA players coming through that they can do it too.”
Wallaroos legend Pomare also joins Tizzano on the shortlist after her third World Cup appearance in 2025.
The Force skipper claimed the Rebecca Clough Medal as player of the season for the club after guiding them to the semi-finals.
She featured prominently in the Wallaroos' World Cup campaign, playing against the USA, England and Canada.
The 32-year-old Pomare retired from the international scene with 43 caps to her name, only trailing fellow Force star Ash Marsters for most caps by an Australian.
“Speaking on behalf of the Club and rugby in WA, we’re so proud of both Carlo and Trilleen," Force CEO Niamh O'Connor said on the dual nominees.
“With their achievements and passion for their state, they are fantastic examples for the next generation of WA rugby talent about how far you can go through the pathway. They’re deserving finalists for this truly Western Australian award.”
The other finalists already announced are Katelyn Smith (soccer), Tristan Schoolkate (tennis), Zac Littlewood (sailing), Kyle Lee (swimming), Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard (netball) and Alana King (cricket)
