The Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) is pleased to announce Mark Nawaqanitawase as the Players’ Rookie of the Year for the 2025 season.
Nawaqanitawase, the NRL season’s top try scorer (24 tries), was announced as the Players’ Rookie of the Year during 100% Footy on Channel Nine, the RLPA’s presenting partner for the Players’ Awards.
The Players’ Rookie of the Year honour caps off a sensational year for the Sydney Roosters’ winger, who was also voted by the players ahead of a strong field of rookies that included Mark’s right-side partner Robert Toia.
After making his debut at the end of the 2024 season, Mark began the 2025 season with one NRL game to his name but since then has continued to elevate his game, thrilling players and fans alike.
“On behalf of the RLPA I would like to congratulate Mark Nawaqanitawase on being voted by the players as their Rookie of the Year for 2025,” said Clint Newton OAM, CEO of the RLPA.
“Mark has had a fantastic season and there is no higher recognition than that of the players you compete against week in, week out. Mark’s transition from rugby union to our game has been nothing short of impressive and was arguably one of the competition’s best across the regular season, let alone rookie.
“To do what Mark has done to transition from one code to another with ease and skill was extraordinary, and our members have recognised his superior performances. In many ways, Mark has set a new standard for wingers and has no doubt inspired children across the world to play with similar flair, creativity and invention.
“I also want to congratulate all the rookies and debutants from the 2025 NRL season, including the four other Finalists Leka, Isaiah, Savelio, and Robert. All have shown great commitment to their jobs, demonstrated their rugby league and athletic abilities as well as the courage and stamina to compete against seasoned veterans.”
The Players’ Rookie of the Year from the NRLW will be announced on Wednesday September 17, as the RLPA continues its celebration of the game’s rising stars.
2025 Finalists for the Players’ Rookie of the Year
Mark Nawaqanitawase
Leka Halasima
Isaiah Iongi
Savelio Tamale
Robert Toia
Winners of the Players’ Rookie of the Year:
- 2024 Rory Owen & Lachlan Galvin
- 2023 Annessa Biddle & Jahream Bula
- 2022 Gayle Broughton & Jeremiah Nanai
- 2021 Destiny Brill & Reece Walsh
- 2020 Harry Grant
- 2019 Payne Haas
- 2018 Victor Radley
- 2017 Nick Cotric
- 2016 Cody Walker
- 2015 Cameron Munster
- 2014 Luke Brooks
- 2013 George Burgess
- 2012 Josh Mansour & Adam Reynolds
- 2011 Daly Cherry-Evans
- 2010 Trent Hodkinson
- 2009 Josh Dugan
- 2008 David Williams
- 2007 Michael Jennings
- 2006 Darius Boyd
- 2005 Ben Smith
- 2004 Sonny Bill Williams
All The Players’ Awards will be announced on Channel 9 on the following dates:
- September 17: Players’ Rookie of the Year from the NRLW
- September 22: Players’ Dream Team from the NRL
- September 24: Players’ Dream Team from the NRLW
- October 2: The Players’ Champion from the NRL and NRLW
