The Rugby League Players’ Association is pleased to announce the Contenders list for The Players’ Champion (NRL) award – outlining the four players from each team who are eligible for the prestigious individual honour.
The winners of both the NRL and NRLW The Players’ Champion awards will be announced during Channel 9’s Grand Final coverage on October 2.
Past recipients Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers), James Tedesco (Sydney Roosters), and Kalyn Ponga (Knights) feature on the star-studded shortlist.
About The Players’ Champion voting:
- The Contenders’ list is made up of four players from each club that are nominated to be eligible for The Players’ Champion award.
- RLPA Delegates at each Club put forward the three best players from their own team.
- An RLPA Working Group nominates a fourth player to round out the nomination process.
- In total, 64 players (four from each team) are eligible to receive votes in the end of season poll.
- Voting is open to all contracted NRL players, with each player selecting opposition players using a 3/2/1 format.
- Players are not penalised for any suspensions and/or fines received during the course of the season.
- Players cannot vote for their teammates.
- The player with the most number of votes is awarded The Players’ Champion.
The five Finalists for The Players’ Champion (NRL) will be announced on September 21.
The Players’ Awards will also include a Rookie of the Year, a Dream Team, and the Dennis Tutty Award for both NRL and NRLW players.
All The Players’ Awards will be announced on Channel 9 on the following dates:
- September 18: Dennis Tutty Award (NRL & NRLW)
- September 20: Players’ Dream Team (NRL)
- September 25: Players’ Rookie of the Year (NRL & NRLW)
- September 28: Players’ Dream Team (NRLW)
- October 2: The Players’ Champion (NRL & NRLW)
The 64 Contenders for The Players’ Champion (NRL):
Roosters
James Tedesco
Joseph Manu
Joseph Sua’ali’i
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
Souths
Alex Johnston
Keaon Koloamatangi
Junior Tatola
Latrell Mitchell
Manly
Kieran Foran
Haumole Olakau’atu
Jake Trbojevic
Daly Cherry-Evans
Panthers
Dylan Edwards
Isaah Yeo
Apisai Koroisau
Nathan Cleary
Dragons
Ben Hunt
Moses Suli
Jack De Belin
Jack Bird
Raiders
Joe Tapine
Adam Elliott
Hudson Young
Jack Wighton
Titans
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
Erin Clark
Moeaki Fotuaika
Beau Fermor
Broncos
Patrick Carrigan
Payne Haas
Adam Reynolds
Corey Oates
Tigers
Joseph Ofahengaue
Kelma Tuilagi
Jackson Hastings
Dane Laurie
Storm
Cameron Munster
Harry Grant
Justin Olam
Nelson Asofa-Solomona
Warriors
Tohu Harris
Marcelo Montoya
Wayde Egan
Addin Fonua-Blake
Cowboys
Valentine Holmes
Reece Robson
Scott Drinkwater
Jeremiah Nanai
Knights
David Klemmer
Dane Gagai
Dominic Young
Kalyn Ponga
Bulldogs
Max King
Jeremy Marshall-King
Matt Burton
Josh Addo-Carr
Parramatta
Shaun Lane
Dylan Brown
Mitch Moses
Clinton Gutherson
Sharks
Nicho Hynes
Siosifa Talakai
Ronaldo Mulitalo
Toby Rudolf
