Tarryn Aiken Claims 2023 KARI Foundation NRLW Player of the Year

Author: Sydney Roosters
Timestamp: Tue 26 Sep 2023, 09:02 PM

In her first year at the Club, skilful playmaker Tarryn Aiken has been awarded the 2023 Sydney Roosters KARI NRLW Player of the Year.

The accolade tops off a brilliant year for the five-eighth, who moved from Brisbane to Sydney pursuing an opportunity to develop her game under the guidance of John Strange.

Whether she was producing a high bomb, sending one of her teammates flying through the line with a short-ball or executing a heroic try-saving tackle – Aiken performed every time she donned the Tricolours jersey this season.

The dynamic five-eighth finished the regular season with an impressive 10 try assists to her name, the highest of any player in the NRLW competition, as well as five tries and 121 average run metres.

Tarryn Aiken is World Class

Aiken also received the Steggles Try of the Year Award for her spectacular chip-and-chase try against the Gold Coast Titans in Round 5.

Brydie Parker Receives Roosters Our Community Award

2023 Veronica White Medal nominee Brydie Parker has been awarded the Roosters Our Community Award for her unwavering commitment to community programs and initiatives.

Striving to make a positive impact at the grassroots level of rugby league, Parker has worked with junior clubs and schools through the Road to Regions initiative to engage and empower the next generation of stars.

Whether it was delivering health and wellbeing programmes to children, meeting with school staff, conducting junior clinics or attending charity events, Parker understands the positive influence athletes can have on local communities.

The winger demonstrated her compassion at the Sydney Children's Hospital Foundation Sick Kids Day campaign - icing donuts and signing memorabilia, but most importantly bringing genuine smiles and laughter to all.

She also took the time to make important connections with the Roosters Physical Disability Rugby League Team in their tour of our Allianz Stadium, staying back after training to meet with the team and discuss all things rugby league.

Mia Wood Claims Rookie of the Year

Called in last-minute as an injury replacement player, Mia Wood displayed her fearlessness claiming three tries on NRLW debut – a feat which has been recognised with the team’s Rookie of the Year award.

Happy to do her job for the team, the 24-year-old took every challenge in her stride, fronting difficult moments with a smile and encouraging others to do the same.

Throughout her five games, Wood made 38 tackles with a 100% efficiency, denying her opposing wingers while making brave kick-return carries to lay the platform for her team in attack.

Corban Baxter Awarded Player’s Player

Corban Baxter marked her return to the NRLW competition with the Players’ Player award, aptly recognised by her teammates for her remarkable contributions both on and off the field in 2023.

Balancing family life with her football career, Baxter was a key leader for the Roosters this year, taking on Vice-Captain responsibilities to guide her team at crucial points and provide younger teammates with words of encouragement.

Featuring in all 10 matches across the season, the tenacious fullback claimed seven tries and assisted with a further three, averaging 143 run metres per match and displaying her true courage and team-first attitude by playing on through an injury in the Semi Final.