Finalists announced for the 2026 Players’ Rookie of the Year

The Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) is pleased to announce the ten Finalists for the Players’ Rookie of the Year awards from NRL and NRLW, as voted by the players.

The Players’ Champion awards are presented by Select Cards.

The winner of the Players’ Rookie of the Year from the NRL will be announced on Channel 9’s 100% Footy on Monday, September 14. The Players’ Rookie of the Year from the NRLW will be announced on Channel 9’s Freddy and the Eighth on Wednesday, September 16.

“The Players’ Rookie of the Year award is a hugely respected award for players and fans,” said Clint Newton, CEO of the RLPA.

“The dedication and work it takes just to play a single game of elite rugby league is immense, and then to establish yourself in the competition is another hurdle altogether.

“All ten Finalists for Rookie of the Year have shown devotion to their craft, along with their skill, hard work, and determination to not just succeed but maintain consistency and standards.

“To then be voted and recognised by the players you play against as one of the best rookies in your competition is an endorsement they should all be proud of. The RLPA looks forward to announcing the two winners of our Players’ Rookie of the Year next week.”

To be eligible for the Players’ Rookie of the Year, a player must have played less than five (5) games to start the NRL season, or less than three (3) games to start the NRLW season. Players cannot vote for themselves or their teammates.

Eight of the Finalists made their debuts during the 2026 season, with Ethan Sanders (2024) and Mercedez Taulelei-Siala (2025) making their debuts in previous seasons.