Ken Stephen Medal - Man of the Year

2024 Ken Stephen Medal Winner - Nicho Hynes

Nicho Hynes - 2024 Ken Stephen Medal Winner

As a proud Wiradjuri and Darkinjung man, Hynes is a vocal advocate for a range of indigenous programs both within the NRL and across the wider community. An Indigenous All Stars representative, he also serves on the NRL advisory board for Indigenous issues.

Hynes was instrumental in the development of the NRL’s Diversity and Anti-Racism Program ‘One Heart’, as well as supporting the School to Work program and the ‘MegaJaws’ program, assisting with clinics for children and adults with disabilities.

In addition to supporting the NRL and Club-based initiatives, it was Hynes’ own vision and drive that led to the Sharks’ Mental Health themed round in collaboration with Gotcha4Life, focusing on mental fitness and raising suicide awareness.

Nicho Hynes wins 2024 Ken Stephen Medal

About the Medal

The Ken Stephen Medal - Man of the Year recognises the efforts of an NRL player who has not only achieved on the field, but has committed time off the field to community projects. A player is nominated by their NRL club for going above and beyond in their involvement in charity work, youth development or community support.

The 2024 Ken Stephen Medal - Man of the Year nominees form the NRL Community Team of the Year.

This year will be the 36th instance that the Ken Stephen Medal will be awarded, with a host of worthy recipients receiving this prestigious award since Wayne Pearce won the inaugural medal in 1988, including Ryan James, Joel Thompson, Jonathan Thurston, Sia Soliola, Nathan Hindmarsh and Ronaldo Mulitalo.

Ken Stephen Medal fan vote closed.

Latrell Mitchell - 2023 Winner

A Taree Red Rovers junior, Mitchell is proud of his heritage and ensures that he is a positive example of inclusivity and unity for all.

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Cody Walker 2022 Winner

A true leader, on and off the field at the Rabbitohs and in the wider community. The Casino Cougars’ junior uses his high- profile to contribute to the community in numerous ways, making genuine measured change.

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Ronaldo Mulitalo 2021 Winner

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks player Ronaldo Mulitalo has been crowned the game’s Man of the Year, winning the 2021 Ken Stephen Medal. Mulitalo helped deliver NRL’s Voice Against Violence and League Bilong Laif programs in schools during his time in Papua New Guinea, while also focussing on supporting children with disabilities by participating in Sharks All Abilities School Program and the Skillz4me program.

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Connor Watson 2020 Winner

The 2020 Ken Stephen Medallist is Newcastle Knights' Connor Watson - a champion on and off the field! Sparked by losing his 17-year-old cousin Parker to suicide, Watson, his parents Mark and Jodie and their Cultural Choice Association (CCA) have worked to make Boots for Brighter Futures a hallmark of Indigenous Round and a catalyst for important conversations in the Indigenous and broader community.

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Sia Soliola 2019 Winner

Our 2019 Ken Stephen Medallist was Canberra Raiders' Sia Soliola - a champion on and off the field! Sia is the consummate club professional in his understanding and dedication to promoting both the game of rugby league and the Canberra Raiders. He understands his role both as a club leader where he is often referred to in the media as the “spiritual leader” and someone who brings the internal values of the Raiders to life.

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Previous Winners Ken Stephen Medal

Honouring our past Ken Stephen Medallist 's

National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.