RLPA honours the Retiring Class of 2025 and acknowledges all players in transition

The Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) proudly pays tribute to the Retiring Class of 2025 as well as players in transition, and expresses gratitude to their essential contributions to the game of rugby league.

While the official Tribute Group is recognised on-field during the Grand Final, there are many players who have retired from the game or in transition (not yet retired, but currently without a contract).

In the lead up to the NRL and NRLW Grand Finals, the RLPA in partnership with the NRL and League Ahead, hold several events and workshops for the Retiring Class. In 2025, the RLPA held its first-ever Past Player Summit during Grand Final Weekend, with all past players welcome to attend along with retiring players.

The Past Player Summit extends the RLPA’s commitment to these players through the Past Player and Transition Program.

There are many stakeholders that are important to the game, from grassroots and community and all the way to the elite level. The RLPA recognises that the players are essential to all levels of the game through their commitment to playing and their incredible promotion of it.

Tom Symonds, the RLPA’s General Manager of Past Players and Transition, paid tribute to the Retiring Class of 2025 and players in transition.

“The RLPA extends its heartfelt congratulations to all NRL and NRLW players who have retired from the professional game over the past year,” said Tom Symonds.

“Whether part of the Grand Final Day Tribute or among those who finished their playing careers without fanfare, each player deserves immense respect and recognition.

“Retirement comes in many forms, whether that be via unforeseen injury, during a stint in other competitions, or simply after not receiving a new contract. But we celebrate and recognise all players for their amazing contributions.

“The RLPA’s Past Player and Transition Program looks forward to welcoming all retiring players to the family and supporting them into their next chapter.”

List of 2025 Retiring Players*

Corey Oates
Mariah Denman
Tim Lafai
Vanessa Foliaki
Ricky Leutele
Kenny Bromwich
David Fusitu’a
Ken Maumalo
Kieran Foran
Martin Taupau
Michael Chee-Kam
Christian Welch
Sione Mata’utia
Jordan McLean
Jake Granville
Bryce Cartwright
Chad Townsend
Paul Momirovski
Fa’amanu Brown
Elijah Taylor
Ben Lovett
Josh Aloiai
Jordan Rapana
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
Tariq Sims
Sam Tomkins
Kyle Laybutt
Elliott Whitehead
Reimis Smith
Willie Isa
Ben Murdoch-Masila
Lachlan Fitzgibbon
Shontelle Stowers
Matt Moylan
Robert Jennings
Michael Jennings
George Jennings
Sebastine Ikahihifo
Matt Ikuvalu
Young Tonumaipea
Jamayne Taunoa-Brown
Mark Nicholls
Shaun Lane
Matt Frawley
Tohu Harris
Jarrod Wallace
Tepai Moeroa
Ben Murdoch-Masila
Tazmin Rapana
Manu Ma’u
Justin Olam

*This list is not exhaustive as retirements can occur at any time throughout the course of a year. There are also some players who may not have not officially announced their retirement.