Weekes and Kelly claim July’s Player of the Month Honours

The Rugby League Players Association is proud to announce Kaeo Weekes and Isabelle Kelly as the winners of the Player of the Month awards for July, as voted by their fellow NRL and NRLW players – highlighting their impact and the respect they have earned across both playing groups.

Presented in partnership with Levels Network, the RLPA’s Player of the Month winners and nominees are announced by Justin Horo and Willie Mason on the popular Levels podcast each month.

Electric Weekes Ignites Raiders in Breakout Month 

Kaeo Weekes was voted by NRL players as their Player of the Month of July, ahead of fellow nominees Blayke Brailey and Harry Grant.

In July, fullback Weekes produced another string of standout performances that have been central to the Canberra Raiders’ outstanding season so far.

Kaeo consistently impressed last month, combining speed, instinct and confidence to steer the Raiders to a flawless month and top spot on the NRL ladder. Those qualities were on full display in Round 18, when Weekes delivered a performance to remember. Against the Dragons at GIO Stadium, the electric fullback scored his first career hat-trick – including a remarkable, line breaking solo effort – and a massive 346 run metres.

In a standout season, Weekes is proving with each performance that he is one of the most versatile and dangerous players in the competition.

Kaeo Weekes’ Stats for July

• Three games
• Four tries
• Two try assists
• Three line breaks
• Seven tackle breaks
• An average of 29 post contact metres
• An average of 200 run metres.

Kelly’s Players’ Champion Form Rolls Into 2025

Isabelle Kelly was voted by NRLW players as their Player of the Month of July ahead of fellow nominees Rima Butler and Alexis Tauaneai.

Isabelle, the 2024 RLPA Players’ Champion,  wasted no time reaffirming her elite status as she played an influential role in her side’s undefeated start to the NRLW season during July.

In the first four rounds of the NRLW season, Sydney Roosters’ captain Kelly led from the front, delivering dominant performances week after week.

In Round 4, Isabelle produced a highlight reel performance in her side’s win over the Bulldogs, scoring two tries, running for 240 metres, and chalking up multiple line breaks, try involvements and defensive efforts.

Her powerful running game, attacking creativity, and leadership continue to be central to the Roosters’ success, and her July form demonstrates she remains a force to be reckoned with in 2025.

Isabelle Kelly’s Stats for July

• Four games
• Three tries
• Two try assists
• Nine line breaks
• 24 tackle breaks
• Seven offloads
• An average of 70 post contact metres per game
• An average of 227 run metres per game

Jamie Buhrer Praises Weekes and Kelly

“On behalf of the RLPA, I’d like to congratulate both Isabelle Kelly and Kaeo Weekes on being voted the RLPA’s Players of the Month for July, as voted by their peers,” said Jamie Buhrer, the RLPA’s General Manager of Player and Football Operations.

“Isabelle has continued to set the standard in the NRLW, backing up her 2024 Players’ Champion honour with a dominant start to the season. Her strong running game, creativity, and leadership have been critical to the Roosters’ success so far in 2025.

“Kaeo’s form throughout July has been equally impressive, taking his game to new heights, with his speed, footwork and versatility playing a key role in Canberra’s rise to the top of the ladder. His Round 18 hat-trick and all-round display showed exactly why he’s one of the most dangerous players in the game today.

“Both Isabelle and Kaeo are thoroughly deserving of this recognition from their fellow players, and their contributions made the month of July even more exciting to watch.”

Winners of the Player of the Month from the NRL

Winners of the Player of the Month from the NRLW