The Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) is pleased to announce Shalom Sauaso as the Players’ Rookie of the Year for the 2025 NRLW season.
In her debut season, Shalom made an incredible 74 tackle breaks from just eight games for the Brisbane Broncos and was announced as the Players’ Rookie of the Year during Freddy and the Eighth on Channel Nine, the RLPA’s presenting partner for the Players’ Awards.
The Players’ Rookie of the Year honour caps off a stellar debut year for the Brisbane Broncos’ interchange weapon, who was also voted by the players ahead of a strong field of rookies that included Caitlin Turnbull, Patricia Maliepo, Payton Takimoana, and Indie Bostock.
After making her debut at the beginning of the 2025 season against the Wests Tigers, Shalom became an instant hit for the Broncos. Along with her 74 tackle breaks, Shalom has scored four tries, made five linebreaks, and averaged 140 metres per game predominantly from the interchange.
In a standout performance against the Newcastle Knights in Round 8, Shalom played 48 minutes and made an incredible 236 metres, 78 post contact metres, 13 tackle breaks, and scored a try.
“On behalf of the RLPA, I would like to congratulate Shalom Sauaso on being voted by the players as their Rookie of the Year for 2025,” said Clint Newton OAM, CEO of the RLPA.
“Shalom epitomises so much of what makes rugby league the greatest game of all. She is powerful, damaging, physical, and – most importantly – she is proud of who she is, her family and culture.
“As a past player and now fan, I love watching Shalom tear in and demonstrate why she is such an intimidating opponent. Shalom is relentless in how she plays, and to be named the best Rookie by the players she competes against is a tremendous accolade.
“We cannot wait to see what the future holds for Shalom: in the short term for her team as they charge into the finals, but also beyond that as she continues to establish herself as a dominant and formidable force in the NRLW.”
Shalom is also a finalist for the Players’ Dream Team and is one of three players in line to be named Impact Player of the season. She is joined by Amber Hall and Kalosipani Hopoate as Impact Player finalists, with the Players’ Dream Team from the NRLW announced on Channel Nine on September 24th.
2025 Finalists for the Players’ Rookie of the Year
Shalom Sauaso
Caitlin Turnbull
Patricia Maliepo
Payton Takimoana
Indie Bostock
Winners of the Players’ Rookie of the Year:
- 2025 Shalom Sauaso & Mark Nawaqanitawase
- 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 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
