The Rugby League Players’ Association is pleased to announce Tarryn Aiken and Kalyn Ponga as Player of the Month winners for the month of August, as voted by the players.
In fresh colours this season, Aiken has continued to excel and be one of the competition’s biggest attacking threats. In August, the Roosters’ five-eighth scored two tries, had seven try assists, and ran for over 110 metres in each of the four games.
Ponga was excellent in August as he helped his Newcastle Knights win all four of the games he played in the eligible rounds. During August, Ponga scored two tries, had six try assists, and made 26 tackle breaks and seven linebreaks.
The other NRLW nominees were Emma Manzelmann, Georgia Hale, Jakiya Whitfeld and Teagan Berry. A nomination panel of former players selected the nominees: Channel Nine’s Allana Ferguson, Krystal Rota and Kody House.
The other NRL nominees were Brandon Smith, Nathan Cleary, Stephen Crichton and Reece Walsh. A nomination panel of former players selected the nominees: Dene Halatau, James Graham, and Channel Nine’s Andrew Johns.
All NRL and NRLW players were eligible to vote for their respective POTM awards.
RLPA CEO Clint Newton praised Aiken and Ponga for their recognition by their peers as the Players of the Month:
“On behalf of the RLPA, I want to congratulate Tarryn and Kalyn on being voted as the Players of the Month for August by their fellow players. This recognition clearly illustrates the quality of their outstanding performances on the rugby league field and the respect they have earned from their peers.”
“Tarryn’s dedication and consistent excellence throughout August have not gone unnoticed. Her skill, determination, and commitment to the Roosters have made her a standout player in the eyes of her fellow players.
“Kalyn is constantly under immense pressure to perform, but in August he shouldered that responsibility amazingly. Not only does he keep proving to the game what type of player he is, but also what type of person.
We are incredibly fortunate to have both Tarryn and Kalyn in our game and congratulate them for this well-deserved honour. Their achievements reflect their hard work and dedication to the game, and we look forward to witnessing their continued success and positive influence on rugby league.”
2023 Player of the Month Winners:
August: Kalyn Ponga & Tarryn Aiken
July: Shaun Johnson & Zahara Temara
June: Scott Drinkwater
May: Cody Walker
