Four NSW players have been named among the finalists for the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA)’s most prestigious awards – the Players’ Champion – for both the NRL and NRLW.
The five finalists in each category collected the most votes from their peers.
The lists of 10 names are also first-timers in the Players’ Champion award meaning that in 2023 two new names will appear on the honour roll.
True Blues Payne Haas (Brisbane Broncos) and Adam Reynolds (Broncos) join Addin Fonua-Blake (Warriors), Shaun Johnson (Warriors) and Reece Walsh (Broncos) as the five NRL finalists.
Sky Blues squad members Teagan Berry (St George Illawarra Dragons) and Sarah Togatuki (Wests Tigers) join Tarryn Aiken (Sydney Roosters) Zahara Temara (Canberra Raiders) and Tamika Upton (Newcastle Knights) to complete the five NRLW finalists.
The winners will be announced on Grand Final day, Sunday 1 October.
“To earn acknowledgment from your peers as one of the top five performers in the NRL and NRLW seasons is remarkable, and a clear illustration of your status among your fellow players,” RLPA Chief Executive Clint Newton said.
“The RLPA congratulates these 10 outstanding players for the recognition they've received from the playing group as finalists.
“Their exceptional contributions to the game during the 2023 seasons have genuinely set them apart.”
In the past four years (2019-2022) NSW players have dominated the Players’ Champion award, after filling seven of the eight spots. The only exception was Kiwis Test player and last year’s Dally M winner Raecene McGregor.
2022 James Tedesco, Raecene McGregor
2021 Tom Trbojevic, Emma Tonegato
2020 Nathan Cleary, Hannah Southwell
2019 James Tedesco, Jess Sergis
