Posted by RLPA
40 Contenders revealed for NRLW player-voted 2024 Players’ Champion award
The Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) is pleased to announce the 40 Contenders for the 2024 Players’ Champion award from the NRLW, as selected by the RLPA’s player leaders from every club.
Featuring four players from every NRLW club, the 40 Contenders are now eligible to be voted for by NRLW players to win the individual Players’ Champion award, rugby league’s biggest and most prestigious player-voted award.
The individual winner of the Players’ Champion from the NRLW will be announced Channel 9 on Grand Final Day, October 6.
Among the list of Contenders is inaugural Players’ Champion winner from the NRLW Simaima Taufa (2018), who is hoping to add to her accolade amongst a talented pool of players.
“On behalf of the RLPA, I want to extend our congratulations to the 40 players from the NRLW competition who have been named Contenders for the prestigious Players’ Champion award,” said Clint Newton, CEO of the RLPA.
“Being chosen as one of the four Contenders eligible for the Players’ Champion by your club’s leaders is a significant honour, reflecting your dedication and impact throughout what has been another great season of NRLW rugby league.
“These 40 players have played such a huge part in continuing to drive the NRLW forward as the premier women’s code in our region. We are incredibly proud of their ability to showcase our great game to avid and new fans of our game, in our region and abroad.
“It is now up to all NRLW players to determine the Players’ Champion, marking a profound acknowledgment from those who compete against her week in and week out.”
About The Players’ Champion voting:
- The Contenders’ list is composed of four players from each club who are nominated to be eligible for The Players’ Champion individual award.
- RLPA Delegates from each of the 10 NRLW clubs put forward four Contenders from their own teams.
- In total, 40 players are then eligible to receive Players’ Champion votes from their NRLW peers in the end-of-season poll.
- Voting is open to all contracted NRLW players, with each player voting for opposition Contenders using a 3/2/1 format. Players cannot vote for their teammates.
- Players are not penalised for any suspensions and/or fines received during the course of the season.
- The player with the most number of votes across all teams is awarded The Players’ Champion.
All The Players’ Awards will be announced on Channel 9 on the follow dates:
- September 15: Dennis Tutty Awards (NRL and NRLW)
- September 23: Players’ Dream Team from the NRL
- September 29: Players’ Rookie of the Year (NRL and NRLW)
- September 30: Players’ Dream Team from the NRLW
- October 6: The Players’ Champion (NRL and NRLW)
The 40 Contenders for the 2024 Players’ Champion (NRLW)
Brisbane Broncos
Julia Robinson
Keilee Joseph
Chelsea Lenarduzzi
Hayley Maddick
North Queensland Cowboys
Tallisha Harden
Jakiya Whitfeld
Bree Chester
Essay Banu
St George Illawarra Dragons
Keele Brown
Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa
Alexis Tauaneai
Kasey Reh
Parramatta Eels
Abbi Church
Elsie Albert
Rory Owen
Kennedy Cherrington
Newcastle Knights
Tamika Upton
Shanice Parker
Yasmin Clydsdale
Laishon Albert-Jones
Canberra Raiders
Simaima Taufa
Sophie Holyman
Chanté Temara
Mackenzie Wiki
Sydney Roosters
Isabelle Kelly
Tarryn Aiken
Amber Hall
Olivia Kernick
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Brooke Anderson
Tiana Penitani
Annessa Biddle
Quincy Dodd
Gold Coast Titans
Evania Pelite
Shannon Mato
Georgia Hale
Lauren Brown
Wests Tigers
Sarah Togatuki
Leianne Tufuga
Rikeya Horne
Christian Pio
Players’ Champion winners from the NRLW:
- 2023 Teagan Berry
- 2022 Raecene McGregor
- 2021 Emma Tonegato
- 2020 Hannah Southwell
- 2019 Jessica Sergis
- 2018 Simaima Taufa