Felise Kaufusi and Emma Verran win 2026 Dennis Tutty Awards

The Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) is incredibly proud to announce Felise Kaufusi and Emma Verran as the two Dennis Tutty Award winners for 2026.

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

• leadership on and off the field

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

• service and dedication to the game of rugby league.

Dennis Tutty Award winners Felise and Emma were announced live on Channel Nine on Wednesday during Freddy and the Eighth.

Felise Kaufusi has been involved with the RLPA as a player Delegate, Men’s Player Advisory Group member and Director on the RLPA Board.

Felise was appointed General President of the RLPA in November 2025. During a period of player leader turnover after the last CBA negotiations, Felise willingly took on the challenge of leading the playing group.

Felise has boldly and proudly led the players as General President through an important time in the game’s history, as the RLPA progresses towards the next CBA negotiations. Since taking on the role of General President, Felise’s leadership has gone from strength to strength across many areas of the RLPA’s governance and advocacy.

He has been a vocal advocate for player rights and welfare across the NRL and the international game, and is RLPA’s first Tongan international on the RLPA Board and as General President.

“I would like to congratulate Felise Kaufusi on winning this year’s Dennis Tutty Award,” said Clint Newton, the CEO of the RLPA.

“Felise has been a tremendous player leader for the RLPA for many years now, and over the past year he proudly stepped into the important role of General President. We could not be more grateful for his dedication to his role as General President and his work on the RLPA Board as a Director.”

“As an experienced player with incredible representative experience across State of Origin and the international game, Felise is very well respected by the players and industry. We are incredibly lucky to have him as our General President, particularly as he uses that respect he has to drive more progress for the players and the game.”

“Congratulations Felise on being this year’s Dennis Tutty Award winner, and we look forward to working together more as we approach the upcoming and critically important CBA negotiations.”

Emma Verran has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to her fellow players. Emma regularly attends meetings and leadership gatherings, and continually contributes to conversations that are helping shape the future of the game.

Emma’s commitment did not stop when she fell pregnant. She has continued to advocate for her peers, and still attends meetings including earlier this year with ARL Commission Chairman Peter V’landys and then NRL CEO Andrew Abdo. These meetings have been crucial to ensuring player voices are being represented in discussions about the game that directly impact players.

“On behalf of the RLPA I would like to congratulate Emma on winning the 2026 Dennis Tutty Award,” said Clint Newton.

“Emma has been a great player for many years and since stepping into a senior leadership role at the RLPA, she has been incredible for the players. It has been a great privilege to work with Emma on achieving great outcomes for players and helping to drive the game forward.”

“Recently, Emma became a proud mother and remained as committed as possible to the players and RLPA during her pregnancy. It’s a credit to her as a person and leader that Emma juggled those leadership commitments while she prepared for motherhood.”

2026 Nominees for the Dennis Tutty Award:

Kennedy Cherrington

Kennedy Cherrington, the 2024 Dennis Tutty Award winner, has continued to be an unwavering advocate for players following her appointment as a Director on the RLPA Board. Kennedy remains a strong pillar in the advancement of the women’s game and continues to use her position and experience to drive positive change for her peers.

Chelsea Lenarduzzi

Chelsea Lenarduzzi continues to fly the flag for her fellow players as a long-standing player Director on the RLPA Board and previous Dennis Tutty Award recipient in 2023. Chelsea’s experience and willingness to show up to meetings, along with her ability to ask the difficult questions made her a strong candidate for this year’s award. Chelsea consistently put the needs of the broader playing group first.

Royce Hunt

Royce Hunt has been a dedicated and reliable Delegate for the RLPA for many years now. Royce consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to the RLPA and his fellow players. Royce is respected for supporting less experienced teammates, ensuring their voices are heard and providing leadership and support when needed. Royce leads by example through his character, integrity and genuine care for others.

Jack Cogger

For a long time now, Jack Cogger has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the RLPA and the broader playing group. When he shares his views, Jack always considers the interests of all players and provides thoughtful ideas on how players and the game can continue to grow and develop. Throughout this year, Jack has demonstrated strong leadership, engagement and dedication to his fellow players and the RLPA.

Josh King

Josh King is a hugely respected senior leader at Melbourne Storm. Josh is known for his character, leadership and commitment to his teammates. As a long-serving Delegate for the RLPA, Josh has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to player rights and wellbeing. Josh genuinely cares for those around him and has helped foster a positive environment at the Storm through his leadership and support.

Winners of the Dennis Tutty Award:

• 2026 Emma Verran (NRLW)
• 2026 Felise Kaufusi (NRL)
• 2025 Madison Bartlett (NRLW)
• 2025 Chad Townsend (NRL)
• 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 14 on 100% Footy: Rookie of the Year (NRL)
• September 16 on Freddy and the Eighth: Rookie of the Year (NRLW)
• September 21 on 100% Footy: Dream Team (NRL)
• September 23 on Freddy and the Eighth: Dream Team (NRLW)
• September 28 on 100% Footy: Players’ Champion (NRL and NRLW)