2021 Club Awards

The 2021 NRL regular season is over and clubs have begun handing out their annual end of season awards. View through each and every club that has revealed their award winners for this season so far. Click here to see the awards for the 2020 season here! Click here to see the awards for the 2019 season here! Click here to see the awards for the 2018 season here! Click here to see the awards for the 2017 season here! Click here to see the awards for the 2016 season here! Melbourne Storm Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes has claimed his maiden Player of the Year title following a stellar season in Purple. Hughes edged out playmaker Brandon Smith for the honours, with forward pair Christian Welch and Dale Finucane also trailing toward the top of the points tally. The decorated evening for Hughes was compounded when he also claimed the Members' Player of the Year award for 2021, a season that saw the New Zealand international score nine tries and assist a further 19. [player_widget player_id="jahrome-hughes" season="2021" type="average"] Other awards saw young flyer Dean Ieremia claim the Rookie of the Year honours, while versatile half Nicho Hynes was elected the Most Improved in a breakout year for the new Cronulla signing. While Smith fell narrowly short in securing the Player of the Year Award, the Storm hooker was crowned Best Forward, with speedy fullback Ryan Papanehuyzen claiming the countering award of Best Back of the Year. Members’ Player of the Year: Jahrome Hughes Billy Slater Rookie of the Year: Dean Ieremia Most Improved Player: Nicho Hynes Best Forward of the Year: Brandon Smith Best Back of the Year: Ryan Papenhuyzen Try of the Year: George Jennings (round 18) Cooper Cronk Feeder Player of the Year Award: Marion Seve Greg Brentnall Young Achievers Award: Jay Natapu Under-20s Darren Bell Medal: Antonio Sanele Michael Moore Award Clubperson of the Year: Meirion Jones Chairman’s Award: Michael Christo Penrith Panthers Nathan Cleary has capped his sterling season for the Mountain Men by claiming the Merv Cartwright Medal awarded to Penrith's top performer each season. Having finished just five votes shy of sharing Dally M honours with Manly flyer Tom Trbojevic, this latest club based prize will now sit beside the premiership ring and Clive Churchill medallion on Cleary's mantel. The game's most dangerous halfback claimed gong in a ceremony held at the Panthers league's club on Thursday evening. [player_widget player_id="nathan-cleary" season="2021" type="average"] Fullback Dylan Edwards earned the John Farragher Award for Courage and Determination after playing on a broken foot throughout the club's successful finals campaign, while Izack Tago was named as the Rookie of the Year and Brian To'o as the Members Player of the Year. Merv Cartwright Medal: Nathan Cleary John Farragher Award for Courage and Determination: Dylan Edwards Ben Alexander Rookie of the Year: Izack Tago Members Player of the Year: Brian To'o Club Person of the Year: Darren Micallef [Marketing Manager] Try of the Year: Stephen Crichton Senior Education Award: Mitch Kenny South Sydney Rabbitohs Cody Walker has claimed the George Piggins Medal for the Rabbitohs best and fairest player for the second year in a row. Finishing third in the Dally M Medal race this season, Walker was the conductor of the Rabbitohs dangerous left edge. By the time it was all done, he had scored 16 tries and set up another 33, while also adding 46 line breaks. It was stunning season for Walker, whose role will again shift in 2022 as Adam Reynolds departs the club. [player_widget player_id="cody-walker" season="2021" type="average"] Walker is the fifth player in South Sydney history to take out the award twice, joining Sam Burgess, John Sutton, Greg Inglis and Damien Cook. Walker also took out the players' player award, while Blake Taaffe won the John Sattler rookie of the year Medal. Cameron Murray was voted as the members' player of the year and Mark Nicholls was voted clubman of the year. George Piggins Medal for best and fairest: Cody Walker Players' player award: Cody Walker John Sattler Medal for rookie of the year: Blake Taaffe Members' player of the year: Cameron Murray Clubman of the year: Mark Nicholls Wests Tigers The Tigers have had their Kelly-Barnes Medal for the club's player of the year split between Daine Laurie and Luke Brooks. It's the first time the award has been split since 2005, when Scott Prince and Brett Hodgson finished level on points in what was a premiership year for the Tigers. Brooks and Laurie finished ahead of Adam Doueihi, Stefano Utoikamanu and Luciano Leilua. Laurie played 19 games before his ankle injury, averaging over 130 metres per game. [player_widget player_id="daine-laurie" season="2021" type="average"] Brooks played every game for the Tigers and came up with 23 try assists as he passed 150 career games. This is the third time he has won the award. [player_widget player_id="luke-brooks" season="2021" type="average"] Adam Doueihi took out the NRL Players' Player award, while Stefano Utoikamanu won the rookie of the year. Kelly-Barnes Medal: Daine Laurie and Luke Brooks NRL Players’ Player: Adam Doueihi NRL Rookie of the Year: Stefano Utoikamanu NSW Cup Player of the Year: Jock Madden Wayne Pearce Community Award: Adam Doueihi Wests Tigers Club Person of the Year: Simon Dwyer Manly Sea Eagles Tom Trbojebvic has swept the pool at the Manly Sea Eagles' awards night, winning the Ray Bull NRL player of the year award, as well as the players' player medal, and the member's player of the year. An incredible year for Trbojevic has left him the front-runner to take out tonight's Dally M award, despite playing just 15 games during the regular season. [player_widget player_id="tom-trbojevic" season="2021" type="average"] Averaging over three try involvements per game, Trbojevic was always going to take out the majority of Manly's awards after taking his team to the preliminary finals. The 24-year-old, in doing so, wins the award for the second time, with only two Manly players in Glenn Stewart and brother Jake Trbojevic having won the award on three occasions. The rising star award was shared by Jason Saab and Josh Schuster, while Toafofa Sipley won the clubman of the year award, and Sean Keppie took out the community award. Ray Bull player of the year: Tom Trbojevic Players' player of the year: Tom Trbojevic Member's player of the year: Tom Trbojevic Clubman of the year: Toafofa Sipley Community award: Sean Keppie Play of the year: Round 25 try vs North Queensland Cowboys Parramatta Eels Parramatta forward Isaiah Papali'i has been crowned as the 2021 Ken Thornett NRL Player of the Year following a sensational first season in the blue and gold. The Eels lock flourished for Brad Arthur's side this season, playing 25 games and holding a key role in Parramatta's front pack. [player_widget player_id="isaiah-papalii" season="2021" type="average"] Papali'i also claimed the Blue & Gold Army Player of the Year Award and shared the honours of the Nathan Hindmarsh Players' Player of the Year with fullback Clint Gutherson. Other awards saw Ryan Matterson (Ray Price Community Award), Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Jack Gibson NRL Coaches Award) and Haze Dunster (Eric Grothe NRL Rookie of the Year) take home club gongs. Ken Thornett Medal: Isaiah Papli'i Jack Gibson NRL Coaches' Award:Reagan Campbell-Gillard Ray Price NRL Community Award:Ryan Matterson Eric Grothe NRL Rookie of the Year:Haze Dunster Blue and Gold Army Player of the Year:Isaiah Papli'i Michael Cronin Club Person of the Year: Peter Cassar Sydney Roosters James Tedesco has been named winner of the 2021 Jack Gibson Medal, the highest honour available to Sydney Roosters' players. In doing so, the star New South Wales representative fullback has created history, becoming the first player to win the prestigious gong four times. It's not hard to see why either, with Tedesco having a wonderful season despite players going down injured all around him. He took over the captaincy mid-season and ended up leading his side all the way to a fifth-place finish, before falling short in the semi-finals against the Manly Sea Eagles. [player_widget player_id="james-tedesco" season="2021" type="average"] Tedesco also won the members player of the year for the second year on the trot. Joseph Manu was awarded the club's try of the year, while Sam Walker won the rising star award after a stunning debut season. Nat Butcher was the other first-grade player to take home awards, winning the community award, and the clubman of the year. Sandon Smith won junior representative player of the year, awarded to those players representing the club in NSWRL junior competitions. Jack Gibson Medal: James Tedesco Members Player of the Year: James Tedesco Try of the Year: Joseph Manu Roosters Our Community Award: Nat Butcher Harry Phipps Rising Star Award: Sam Walker Chris Sykes Award (Junior Representative Player of the Year): Sandon Smith James Mathews Clubman of the Year: Nat Butcher Newcastle Knights The Knights have announced Jacob Saifiti as their player of the year, winning the Danny Buderus Medal for 2021. Saifiti has been one of the club's best this season, playing 23 games and standing up into a starting role for a side who made the finals before being bounced out by the Eels in Week 1. [player_widget player_id="jacob-saifiti" season="2021" type="average"] Saifiti has averaged north of 100 metres per game and defended solidly, often playing big minutes in Adam O'Brien's middle third rotation. Connor Watson was voted in as the players' player of the year, while Brodie Jones won the rookie of the year award for the Knights. The gladiator of the year, picked by Newcastle old boys, was taken out by Jayden Brailey. Rookie of the Year: Brodie Jones Once a Knight Old Boys Gladiator of the Year: Jayden Brailey Community Player of the Year: Josh King Players' Player of the Year: Connor Watson Knight in Shining Armour: Mitchell Pearce Player of the Year (Danny Buderus Medal): Jacob Saifiti Brisbane Broncos Star Brisbane forward Payne Haas has joined illustrious company at the Red Hill club by claiming his third-straight Paul Morgan medal. The 21-year-old Origin representative capped another stellar season in the sunshine state by collecting the honour and joined club legends Darren Lockyer, Petero Civoniceva and Corey Parker as the only Broncos to ever claim the gong on three occasions. Still, despite a season that saw him average 167.5 run metres across his 20-appearances this season, Haas remains two medallions shy of the all-time record held by Allan 'Alfie' Langer with five. [player_widget player_id="payne-haas" season="2021" type="average"] The New South Welshman rounded out his dominant season by being recognised as the club's best forward for the second-successive season, the 'Player's Player' for the third year in a row and also as the architect of the club's 'Play of the Year' for his late game defensive effort against Cronulla in Round 16. The remainder of the on-field awards on offer were shared by Kobe Hetherington (rookie of the year), Jake Turpin (most consistent) and Herbie Farnworth (best back). Paul Morgan Medal - Player of the Year: Payne Haas Gary Balkin Award - Players' Player: Payne Haas Shane Webcke Award - Best Forward: Payne Haas Wally Lewis Award - Play of the Year: Payne Haas Cyril Connell Award - Rookie of the Year: Kobe Hetherington Kevin Walters Award - Most Consistent: Jake Turpin Allan Langer Award - Best Back: Herbie Farnworth Clubperson of the Year: Eloise Kelly and Dave Ballard North Queensland Cowboys Following an early season shift in position and a change in mindset, Cowboys forward Coen Hess has claimed the club's top honour for 2021 - the Paul Bowman medal. Hess, 25, provided first-year coach Todd Payten with much ameliorated performances after being moved from the second-row into a middle forward slot and finished the year with a mean of 76 running metres and 28 tackles from his 22 starts. [player_widget player_id="coen-hess" season="2021" type="average"] The award was a long-time coming for the Bundaberg-born Cowboy who had already completed six-seasons with the club prior to 2021. Hess' efforts this year were enough to both edge out Reece Robinson and Jordan McLean for the prize, as well as end Jason Taumalolo's half-decade long monopoly over the honour. Despite the forward's sublime end to what was a disappointing campaign for the Townsville team, Jake Granville, Murray Taulagi, Ben Hampton, Heilum Luki and Corey Jensen also finished the night with awards. Paul Bowman Medal for Cowboy of the Year: Coen Hess Club Person of the Year: Ben Hampton Townsville Bulletin Fans Choice Award: Jake Granville Players Player of the Year: Murray Taulagi NRL Cowboys Way Award: Jake Granville Rookie of the Year: Heilum Luki Members Player of the Year: Jake Granville JCU Education Award: Corey Jensen Gold Stars Cowboys Way Award: Jordii Mahendrarajah Gold Stars Player of the Year Award: Emma Manzelmann Gold Coast Titans In just his first-season with the franchise, former Melbourne Storm forward Tino Fa'asuamaleaui has been named as the Titans' player of the year. The 21-year-old Origin representative took out the Paul Broughton medal ahead of Moeaki Fotuaika and Corey Thompson. [player_widget player_id="tino-fa'asuamaleaui" season="2021" type="average"] The versatile forward also took out the club's member selected MVP award ahead of fellow Queensland teammate, AJ Brimson. On a night where his father's legacy with the club was remembered and honoured, rising star Jayden Campbell was awarded the rookie of the year award, whilst impressive half Jamal Fogarty took out 'The Preston' for his efforts within the community. Paul Broughton Medal - Player of the year: Tino Fa’asuamaleaui Members MVP: Tino Fa’asuamaleaui Rookie of the Year: Jayden Campbell Coaches’ Award: Corey Thompson “The Preston”: Jamal Fogarty New Zealand Warriors New Zealand Warriors' lock forward Tohu Harris has taken out the Simon Mannering medal as player of the year for the second year running. The award for Harris comes despite the veteran leader only managing 15 games due to injuries, including a season-ending ACL injury, which will heavily impact his pre-season for 2022. Harris has made 46 tackles and 117 metres per game, and was the obvious choice to take out the award in Nathan Brown's side. [player_widget player_id="tohu-harris" season="2021" type="average"] Harris edged out Addin Fonua-Blake, Wayde Egan and Euan Aitken for the award. The player's player award was won by Fonua-Blake, who was voted in by his teammates ahead of Harris and Marcelo Montoya. Unsurprisingly, Reece Walsh took out the rookie of the year award after his mid-season switch from the NRL and NRL debut which followed. Montoya was awarded the club man of the year award. Simon Mannering medal for player of the year: Tohu Harris NRL player's player of the year: Addin Fonua-Blake Rookie of the year: Reece Walsh Club man of the year: Marcelo Montoya Canterbury Bulldogs Josh Jackson has been named the Bulldogs' Dr George Peponis player of the year. Jackson, who moved back into the middle third this season, has been rock solid for Canterbury. He has made a staggering 786 tackles as one of the best defensive players in the game, while also making 113 metres per contest. Equally as impressively, Jackson has played virtually every minute for Canterbury, churning out big performances week after week. [player_widget player_id="josh-jackson" season="2021" type="average"] The Bulldogs' captain will again look to lead his side next year as the Bulldogs climb off the bottom of the table with six new high-profile signings joining the club. Elsewhere, Jake Averillo took out the coaches award for the Bulldogs, while Bailey Biondi-Odo claimed the rookie of the year award ahead of other candidates Jackson Topine, Aaron Schoupp, Chris Patolo, Brad Deitz and Falakiko Manu. Raymond Faitala-Mariner won the Peter Warren medal for services to the community. Dr George Peoponis Medal for player of the year: Josh Jackson Coaches award: Jake Averillo Rookie of the year: Bailey Biondi-Odo Peter Warren medal for services to the community: Raymond Faitala-Mariner St George Illawarra Dragons Despite playing just 15 games for the season, Ben Hunt has been named the Dragons player of the year for the first time. The club captain, who has struggled with a broken arm and leg this season, but also represented the QueenslandMaroons in the State of Origin series, was awarded the club's award for his excellent season. [player_widget player_id="ben-hunt" season="2021" type="average"] Hunt is the second captain in a row to win the award, taking over from the 2020 winner Cameron McInnes, who also won the award in 2019. The veteran half steered the Dragons around the park early in the year during a winning streak, before being one of the only shining lights as the Red V fell apart during the second half of the year. The Dragons also awarded the Geoff Salby Memorial Trophy for emerging talent to Talatau Amone. The youngster edged out the likes of the Feagai brothers, Jayden Sullivan and Tyrrel Sloan. Amone had 11 games in the Red V and scored three tries. The Immortals Trophy, picked by the coaching staff and loosely having the same criteria as the Immortals concept - demonstrating outstanding commitment and dedication in all aspects of rugby league - was won by Andrew McCullough. The hooker stepped in as captain when Hunt was out injured, before having his own season curtailed by injury. Player of the year: Ben Hunt Geoff Salby Memorial Trophy for emerging talent: Talatau Amone Immortals Trophy: Andrew McCullough Community engagement award: Not awarded Cronulla Sharks Cronulla fullback William Kennedy has been awarded the 2021 Porter-Gallen medal as Sharks' player of the year. He was also awarded the player's player award, known as the Tommy Bishop Award, and the member's player award proving just what an excellent season he managed to have. Kennedy played in all 24 NRL games during the regular season, and while the Sharks have missed the finals, he was one of their shining lights. [player_widget player_id="william-kennedy" season="2021" type="average"] Kennedy led the team in tries scored alongside Connor Tracey on 14, while also leading line breaks with 15 and try assists with 14, giving him more than one try involvement per game. The Cronulla youngster is now being touted to hang onto the number one jumper next season, despite the arrival of star Melbourne Storm recruit Nicho Hynes. Kennedy edged out other nominees for the Sharks' biggest gong of the season in Blayke Brailey, Jack Williams and Connor Tracey. The award by its current name is in just its second season, with Shaun Johnson having won last year's medal. Luke Metcalf has won Cronulla's rookie of the year award. Porter-Gallen player of the year medal: William Kennedy Tommy Bishop player's player medal: William Kennedy Member's player of the year award: William Kennedy Rookie of the year: Luke Metcalf Canberra Raiders Canberra veteran Jordan Rapana has been awarded with the 2021 Meninga Medal as the Raiders' best player of the season. The 32-year-old edged out Josh Papalii, Ryan Sutton and Joseph Tapine for the honours following another impressive season for the Raiders flyer. [player_widget player_id="jordan-rapana" season="2021" type="average"] In his eighth year at the club, Rapana played 22 matches and scored 12 tries in a year that saw the Raiders miss out on a top-eight finish. Despite the club's disappointing campaign, Rapana was among the highlights for the Green Machine in 2021, claiming the award with 21 votes to his name - six more than the next best in Papalii. [caption id="attachment_44854" align="alignnone" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 28: Jordan Rapana of the Raiders looks on during the round 7 NRL match between the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and the Canberra Raiders at Lottoland on April 28, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)[/caption] Other gongs saw Tom Starling (Coaches Award), Harley Smith-Shields and Matt Timoko (both Rookie of the Year), Grant Hogan (Best First Year Player) and Kai O'Donnell (NSW Cup Player of the Year) take home awards. 2021 Meninga Medal Awards Summary: NSW Cup Player of the Year – Kai O’Donnell NSW Cup Coaches Award – Matt Frawley Geoff Caldwell Welfare & Education Award – Elliott Whitehead Gordon McLucas Memorial Junior Representative Player of the Year - Trey Mooney Fred Daly Memorial Club Person of the Year – Grant Hogan NRL Rookie of the Year – Harley Smith-Shields & Matt Timoko NRL Coaches Award – Tom Starling Meninga Medal – Jordan Rapana