The Rugby League Players’ Association is pleased to announce the 40 Contenders for 2023 The Players’ Champion award, outlining the four players from each NRLW team eligible for the prestigious individual honour.
The Players’ Champion award winners (NRL and NRLW) will be announced during Channel 9’s Grand Final coverage on October 1.
Past recipients Emma Tonegato (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Simaima Taufa (Canberra Raiders), Georgia Hale (Gold Coast Titans), and reigning Champion Raecene McGregor (St George Illawarra Dragons) feature on the impressive list.
The Players’ Awards also include a Rookie of the Year, a Dream Team, and the Dennis Tutty Award for both NRL and NRLW players.
About The Players’ Champion voting:
The Contenders’ list is made up of four players from each club who are nominated by their RLPA club Delegates to be eligible for The Players’ Champion individual award.
In total, 40 players are then eligible to receive Players’ Champion votes in the end-of-season poll.
Voting is open to all contracted NRL players, with each player selecting opposition Contenders using a 3/2/1 format. Players cannot vote for their teammates.
Players are not penalised for any suspensions and/or fines received during the course of the season.
The individual player with the most votes across all teams is awarded The Players’ Champion.
All The Players’ Awards will be announced on Channel 9 on the following dates:
- September 17: Dennis Tutty Award (NRL & NRLW)
- September 19: Players’ Dream Team (NRL)
- September 21: Players’ Champion Finalists (NRL & NRLW)
- September 24: Players’ Rookie of the Year (NRL & NRLW)
- September 28: Players’ Dream Team (NRLW)
- October 1: The Players’ Champion (NRL & NRLW)
The 40 Contenders for The Players’ Champion (NRL):
Brisbane Broncos
- Ali Brigginshaw
- Annetta-Claudia Nu'uausala
- Mariah Denman
- Mele Hufanga
North Queensland Cowboys
- Emma Manzelmann
- China Polata
- Francesca Goldthorp
- Tallisha Harden
St George Illawarra Dragons
- Teagan Berry
- Alexis Tauaneai
- Raecene McGregor
- Tyla Nathan-Wong
Parramatta Eels
- Abbi Church
- Mahalia Murphy
- Rueben Cherrington
- Cassey Tohi-Hiku
Newcastle Knights
- Tamika Upton
- Yasmin Clydsdale
- Shanice Parker
- Kayla Romaniuk
Canberra Raiders
- Ash Quinlan
- Simaima Taufa
- Zahara Temara
- Chante Temara
Sydney Roosters
- Otesa Pule
- Corban Baxter
- Isabelle Kelly
- Tarryn Aiken
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
- Annessa Biddle
- Ellie Johnston
- Tiana Penitani
- Emma Tonegato
Wests Tigers
- Sarah Togatuki
- Jakiya Whitfeld
- Christian Pio
- Leianne Tufuga
Gold Coast Titans
- Shannon Mato
- Lauren Brown
- Georgia Hale
- Evania Pelite
