Cherry-Evans and Cherrington win 2024 Dennis Tutty Awards

The Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) is proud to announce Kennedy Cherrington and Daly Cherry-Evans as the two Dennis Tutty Award winners for 2024 from the NRLW and NRL competitions.

The Dennis Tutty Award is awarded annually to a current rugby league player who has demonstrated outstanding:

• A) leadership on and off the field

• B) commitment to their fellow players & to the advancement and protection of their rights

• C) and service and dedication to the game of rugby league.

Daly Cherry-Evans has been General President of the RLPA since 2021. During that time, he has shown exceptional leadership in the game as captain of his club and state, and he has also successfully and confidently juggled those responsibilities with his ongoing and crucial roles at the RLPA.

He continues to be an invaluable and willing RLPA Delegate, Men’s Player Advisory Group Member, Board Director, and continues to take on the huge responsibility of the RLPA’s General President, a role he has held since the COVID-19 pandemic and during the most recent CBA negotiations.

Daly is vital in ensuring the players’ interests are well represented, advanced and protected and has a track record of impressive achievements for the RLPA. All of this has been done with unwavering commitment to the players and rugby league.

“In 2021, Daly stepped into his role as General President during the COVID pandemic, one of the most tumultuous times in the history of rugby league and the modern world,” said Clint Newton, Chief Executive Officer of the RLPA.

“He did so with professional, reliable and strong leadership, continually standing up for what is fair for players and the game.

“During his tenure, Daly has often stood bravely at risk of public scrutiny and calmly presented the facts and details of particular issues. From COVID, to above-forecast negotiations, and the player actions during the 2023 CBA negotiations, Daly has been a bold leader of the RLPA that NRL and NRLW players can rely upon to be their leader in crisis.

“On a personal level, Daly has always provided me with sound advice and direction to ensure I am fulfilling my obligations to the players and in my role as CEO and Managing Director on the RLPA Board.”

Kennedy Cherrington has consistently shown exceptional leadership as an RLPA Delegate and Women’s Player Advisory Group member both during the collective bargaining negotiations and in her club.

During the CBA, Kennedy was an integral public voice advocating for players’ rights in seeking the game’s first joint-CBA for NRL and NRLW players while also being a keen contributor to the RLPA’s strategy.

Since then, Kennedy continues to support RLPA staff with her attendance at meetings, providing integral feedback and advocating for the players at her club. Kennedy’s willingness to “call it as she sees it” has been to the benefit of players across the game.

“Kennedy is a thoroughly deserving recipient of the Dennis Tutty Award,” said Clint Newton.

“She is an outstanding person and that is further emphasised by the leadership she shows on behalf of all players. When it comes to all the player matters we care deeply about, Kennedy is always willing to provide public support and private advocacy behind the scenes.

“What is most significant about Kennedy is she is her own person, she has strong values which she is always prepared to fight for, and she is also incredibly down to earth and a good friend to so many players.

“On behalf of the RLPA, I want to congratulate Kennedy and Daly on being awarded the Dennis Tutty Awards for the 2024 seasons.”

2024 Nominees for the Dennis Tutty Award:

Tallisha Harden

Tallisha is a very proud Torres Strait Islander woman who is heavily engaged in her community and a huge advocate for her fellow players.

Tallisha has been a consistent and highly valued voice as an RLPA Delegate, and as a WPAG member since the group’s inception in 2019.

She leads with her actions both on and off the field. Tallisha has never shied away from tough conversations and is always prepared to call out behaviours that aren’t in the best interest of the players.

Tallisha willingness to stand up for those within her playing group is a reflection of the leader she is.

Madison Bartlett

Madison is a passionate player advocate and leader in her roles as RLPA Delegate, WPAG, and Board Director.

Making the decision to assume a role on the RLPA Board can be a daunting prospect but Madison has assumed her position impressively and represents the interests of the collective in all decisions.

As a very well-respected member of the RLPA’s leadership structure, Madison is always willing to highlight issues across the game or at her Club that may need to be addressed and consistently contributes to finding solutions.

Chelsea Lenarduzzi

Chelsea Lenarduzzi consistently leads the playing group with her voice and actions.

She has played a pivotal role in shaping the current landscape of women’s rugby league in and beyond her positions as an RLPA Delegate, WPAG member and Board Director.

Chelsea devoted significant time to the CBA negotiations, where she provided valuable guidance to the RLPA, attended negotiation meetings with the NRL, and consistently spoke publicly on key player issues. Further to this Chelsea takes her approach to protecting and advancing players rights into all arenas at her club and in Women’s State of Origin Camps.

Shaun Lane

As an RLPA Delegate and MPAG member, Shaun’s leadership was vital during the CBA, where he regularly attended negotiation meetings and was a strong and consistent public voice.

His recent documentary reveals his personal journey through injuries and mental health struggles, showing remarkable courage and dedication to complete, which not only highlights his growth mindset, but also provides valuable insights for other players facing similar challenges. Notably, Shaun faced these struggles while still prioritising his contribution to the wider playing group during CBA negotiation.

Chad Townsend

The nomination of Chad Townsend for the 2024 RLPA Dennis Tutty Award is a result of his exceptional leadership and dedication both on and off the field.

Chad has made significant contributions to the RLPA, notably advocating for players’ rights during CBA negotiations, joining negotiation meetings, and serving as a proactive spokesperson for the playing group.

His roles as a Club Delegate, MPAG Member, and Board Director further underscore his commitment to his fellow players and the RLPA. Chad’s growth and impact across multiple Clubs exemplifies the core values of the Dennis Tutty Award.

Felise Kaufusi

Felise has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership as an RLPA Delegate, MPAG member, and Board Director. He has consistently shown great initiative in advocating for improved minimum standards, not only for his own teammates but for the entire collective.

His commitment to ensuring the wellbeing and fair treatment of all players is evident in his proactive communication with both the RLPA, the playing group, and his club. This communication has been invaluable to the RLPA, and his dedication to his role is exemplary, making him a deserving candidate for this prestigious award.

Nicho Hynes

Since joining the RLPA leadership structure, Nicho has shown outstanding influence as an RLPA Delegate and member of our Reconciliation Action Plan Player Working Group. Nicho’s enthusiasm for these roles highlights his commitment to advancing player welfare and driving positive change culturally.

Nicho’s significant contributions on and off the field have been recognised with the 2024 Indigenous Leadership & Excellence Award, reflecting his considerable influence and dedication to his culture, fellow players and the game.

Winners of the Dennis Tutty Award:

• 2024 Kennedy Cherrington (NRLW)
• 2024 Daly Cherry-Evans (NRL)
• 2023 Chelsea Lenarduzzi (NRLW)
• 2023 Wade Graham (NRL)
• 2022 Hannah Southwell (NRLW)
• 2022 Wade Graham (NRL)
• 2021 Ali Brigginshaw (NRLW)
• 2021 Christian Welch (NRL)
• 2020 Blake Green
• 2019 David Gower
• 2018 Jason Nightingale
• 2017 James Maloney
• 2016 Dene Halatau
• 2015 Tom Symonds
• 2014 Nate Myles
• 2013 Clint Newton
• 2012 Robbie Farah
• 2011 Andrew Ryan
• 2010 Petero Civoniceva
• 2009 Michael Gordon
• 2008 Jason King

About Dennis Tutty:

Dennis Tutty played rugby league long before the days of full-time professionalism. Before colour TV, Tina Turner and the NRL. When players played almost exclusively for their local clubs and, first and foremost, for their love of the game. Unfortunately, in this romanticised era of rugby league, where the greats of Arthur Beetson and Ron Coote made their names, player rights were often a passing thought for the game’s administrators.

Dennis’ actions in challenging the NSWRL’s transfer system in 1968, at great personal sacrifice, were not only pivotal in the emergence of a player’s rights movement but paved the way for the professionals of today.

The RLPA will ensure that Dennis’s legacy is never forgotten, and all players are reminded of the benefits his sacrifices provide them.

All The Players’ Awards will be announced on Channel 9 on the following dates:

• 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)