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):
Broncos
Ali Brigginshaw
Annetta-Claudia Nu’uausala
Mariah Denman
Mele Hufanga
Cowboys
Emma Manzelmann
China Polata
Francesca Goldthorp
Tallisha Harden
Dragons
Teagan Berry
Alexis Tauaneai
Raecene McGregor
Tyla Nathan-Wong
Eels
Abbi Church
Mahalia Murphy
Rueben Cherrington
Cassey Tohi-Hiku
Knights
Tamika Upton
Yasmin Clydsdale
Shanice Parker
Kayla Romaniuk
Raiders
Ash Quinlan
Simaima Taufa
Zahara Temara
Chante Temara
Roosters
Otesa Pule
Corban Baxter
Isabelle Kelly
Tarryn Aiken
Sharks
Annessa Biddle
Ellie Johnston
Tiana Penitani
Emma Tonegato
Tigers
Sarah Togatuki
Jakiya Whitfeld
Christian Pio
Leianne Tufuga
Titans
Shannon Mato
Lauren Brown
Georgia Hale
Evania Pelite
