2025 Nominees /

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Jock Madden - Brisbane Broncos

Jock Madden is a standout leader both on and off the field, consistently stepping up for his team and community. He actively supports Queensland charities, including The Pyjama Foundation and Guide Dogs Queensland, showing genuine kindness. Jock regularly volunteers at the Queensland Children’s Hospital, visiting young patients to provide comfort and distraction, often bringing teammates along to inspire them. Despite injury setbacks, he remains committed to these visits, which have had a positive impact on children, families and hospital staff. Jock’s dedication to giving back reflects his belief in using his profile to spread kindness and make a real difference for those facing tough times. 

Josh Papalii - Canberra Raiders

Josh Papalii is a powerful role model who leads with heart. As the most capped player in Canberra Raiders history, he’s known for staying behind after games to connect with fans and regularly visiting schools and local clubs to inspire young people. Off the field, Josh supports causes close to his heart, including volunteering with charities like Menslink and Win the Day, feeding the homeless, and advocating for people with disabilities. His passion for giving back continues to grow as he works towards launching his own NDIS company.

Josh Curran - Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs

Josh Curran, a proud Indigenous man and Bulldogs player, is a standout leader in community engagement both within and beyond club commitments. He’s actively involved in initiatives such as the Bulldogs School Blitz, Deadly Choices and RSPCA NSW. Josh initiated outreach programs with NSW Police and NASCA, visiting schools and juvenile centres to support youth, particularly Indigenous Australians. His consistency, humility and drive have made a lasting impact across NSW. Deeply motivated by cultural pride and a sense of responsibility, Josh leads with heart and purpose, embodying the NRL’s values of inclusion, unity, positivity and discipline. 

Cameron McInnes - Cronulla Sutherland Sharks 

Cameron McInnes, captain of the Cronulla Sharks, is a standout community leader who goes above and beyond to support others. He plays an active role in the club’s disability and inclusion programs, regularly attending clinics and connecting with participants. Inspired by his son’s autism diagnosis, Cameron is a passionate advocate for awareness and support. He dedicates personal time to causes like youth mental health, and demonstrates compassion, and a deep commitment to making a genuine difference on and off the field. 

Kodi Nikorima - Dolphins

Kodi Nikorima has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to community service, youth development and charitable work as part of his club responsibilities and in his personal time. He supports My People Support, Family First Care and Bro Camp, helping individuals with disabilities, veterans, and young men build confidence and emotional resilience. Kodi’s hands-on involvement including mentoring, running clinics and building lasting relationships make him a genuine role model. His values of inclusivity, positivity, unity and discipline are evident in everything he does, making a measurable impact across communities and inspiring others to follow his lead. 

Kieran Foran - Gold Coast Titans

Kieran Foran is a respected 17-year NRL veteran whose community work spans multiple clubs and causes. Since joining the Titans in 2023, he has become a passionate advocate for youth mental health through his partnership with the Top Blokes Foundation and by launching Logan’s Legacy. Kieran consistently goes beyond club commitments — visiting hospitals, supporting players with disabilities, mentoring youth and leading ANZAC tributes. His openness about personal struggles with mental health and addiction has broken stigmas and inspired others to seek help. His lasting community impact make him an outstanding role model and Ken Stephen Medal nominee. 

Tom Trbojevic - Manly Warringah Sea Eagles

Tom Trbojevic exemplifies leadership, compassion and community spirit through his tireless efforts on and off the field. He is deeply committed to supporting junior players, fans and those doing it tough, consistently offering his time for visits, messages and events. As a dedicated ambassador for What Ability, Tom builds genuine relationships with people living with disability, creating inclusive and joyful experiences. From meeting with a young cancer patient to mentoring bullied youth, Tom leads with kindness, empathy and integrity — embodying the NRL’s core values. 

Eliesa Katoa - Melbourne Storm

Eliesa Katoa consistently demonstrates outstanding community engagement both through and beyond his club duties. He regularly participates in programs like Storm in Your Club and hospital visits, always going above expectations by spending extra time with participants. He has led initiatives like the Storm Waka program for at-risk Pasifika youth, supported career exposure events for students, and advocated for cultural inclusivity. Eliesa also mentors young athletes and aims to establish pathways for rugby league development in Tonga. Despite language barriers and a demanding schedule, Eliesa shows unwavering discipline and positivity, leading by example within the club and community.  

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak - New Zealand Warriors

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is a respected leader who consistently gives back to community, youth and charitable initiatives. Through his work with the Warriors Community Foundation, he engages in school visits, wellbeing talks, and inclusive sports events, connecting meaningfully with tamariki and rangatahi. Off the field, he supports causes like Make-A-Wish, Starship Hospital and food banks. As a proud Māori, Tongan, and Polish man, he leads with cultural pride and a sense of responsibility and encourages fellow players to make a difference by being genuine, present and community-minded. 

Dylan Lucas - Newcastle Knights

Dylan Lucas, a proud Wiradjuri man and Newcastle Knights leader, consistently drives community impact through youth programs, Indigenous initiatives and charitable campaigns. He leads Boots for Brighter Futures, supports disability inclusion via Game Changer, and mentors young Indigenous leaders through NRL School to Work. Despite the demands that come with being an elite athlete, Dylan pro-actively volunteers, visiting schools and hospitals to inspire resilience, respect and cultural pride. His genuine commitment uplifts communities, embodying the Knights’ values on and off the field. 

Sam McIntyre - North Queensland Cowboys

Sam McIntyre exemplifies dedication to community service. Known for consistently volunteering beyond expectations, he actively engages in youth development, charity work and community initiatives, including school visits, clinics, hospital and aged care visits. His deep personal connection as an ambassador for Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia stems from his mother’s battle with cancer and fuels his empathy and commitment. Despite personal challenges, Sam remains resilient and focused on uplifting others, using his platform selflessly. 

Jack Williams - Parramatta Eels

Since joining the Parramatta Eels in 2025, Jack Williams has quickly become a respected leader on and off the field. He actively engages in community initiatives, showing genuine care and creating meaningful connections, such as heartfelt visits to Ronald McDonald House and inclusive participation in the School Blitz program. Jack consistently supports fans, junior clubs and vulnerable communities, taking extra time to connect with people. Known for his humility and empathy, he demonstrates his steady leadership and dedication to making a positive impact beyond the game. 

Nathan Cleary - Penrith Panthers

Nathan Cleary leads with heart, championing Panthers community work and charity initiatives. From hospital visits to school programs, he takes time to connect, listen and give back. He supports local homelessness services, often co-ordinating food and clothing drives. Whether at training, games or events, Nathan is always the last to leave, ensuring every fan feels seen. He knows the game’s true impact extends beyond the field and he lives that truth every day. 

Jai Arrow - South Sydney Rabbitohs

Jai Arrow has demonstrated dedication to community work across his NRL career. Motivated by personal experiences, Jai supports a wide range of causes including youth development, disability inclusion, homelessness and Indigenous advocacy. Through his club role and beyond, Jai regularly volunteers with Vinnies Food Vans and What Ability and leads teammates in community service. Jai’s positive influence reaches over 100,000 students through wellbeing programs, and his selfless, inclusive actions exemplify the values of the NRL. 

Ryan Couchman - St. George Illawarra Dragons

Ryan Couchman, a local junior from the Thirroul Butchers and St George Illawarra Dragons player, has shown outstanding dedication to community and charity work since his 2023 debut. He actively supports grassroots rugby, school programs and regional outreach, inspiring young people through genuine engagement and leadership. Even after a season-ending injury in 2025, Ryan remained committed by coaching, attending events and supporting fundraisers. His involvement in initiatives like The Best You Can Be and NRL Roads to Regions reflects his passion for giving back.  

Billy Smith - Sydney Roosters

Billy Smith has shown unwavering dedication to community work, particularly through his role as the inaugural ambassador for Rio’s Legacy, a charity supporting paediatric palliative care. Beyond his club commitments, Billy has advocated for greater support and awareness, contributed to major government outcomes, and regularly visited families and children in care. He embodies the NRL’s values using his platform to amplify unheard voices. Despite injury setbacks, Billy remains deeply involved, inspiring teammates and fans with his leadership, compassion  and commitment to making a real difference. 

Jahream Bula - Wests Tigers

Jahream Bula has quickly become a key community figure for the Wests Tigers, actively engaging with junior clubs, schools and grassroots rugby league. As a proud Indigenous and Pasifika athlete, he plays a vital role in cultural initiatives like NAIDOC Week and Indigenous Round, sharing his heritage with youth. Jahream is an ambassador for the Pasifika Youth Summit, inspiring students through leadership and cultural pride. Beyond club duties, he mentors at Redfern Youth Connect and co-leads a Bible study group, demonstrating a deep commitment to faith, culture and community service that extends well beyond the field.