The National Rugby League is proud to announce the nominees for this year's Veronica White Medal - Woman of the Year, which recognises the efforts of an NRLW player who has not only excelled on the field but has dedicated time off the field to make a positive difference.
2022 will be the fourth instance that the Veronica White Medal - Woman of the Year has been awarded, in line with the NRLW Premiership, with this year's nominees forming the inaugural NRLW Community Team of the Year.
Every nominee will receive $1,000 to give back to their junior rugby league club while the winner of the Veronica White Medal - Woman of the Year will also receive additional prizing to give back to junior rugby league and their supporting charity.
Click here to cast your vote!
Established in 2007, the NRL Community Awards have become the most significant opportunity for our game’s unsung heroes to receive the recognition and thanks they deserve for the tireless work they do in the community. It also provides an opportunity for the NRL to acknowledge and celebrate the contribution that clubs, state leagues and both NRL and NRLW players make year on year.
The NRL invites and encourages fans to vote for their favourite nominee for this year's award. Voting will run from September 13 to September 20, with the winner of the fan vote to become the third finalist for the Veronica White Medal - Woman of the Year as well as $3,500 to give to their junior rugby league club.
The three finalists for the Veronica White Medal - Woman of the Year will be announced on September 28 in Grand Final Week alongside the four finalists for the Ken Stephen Medal - Man of the Year.
NRL Head of Participation, Community & Game Development, Andrew Every, said the nominated players had all made a strong contribution to their community.
"The NRL is dedicated to recognising and celebrating the incredible contribution NRLW players make to the community," Every said.
“Congratulations to our 2022 nominees. These women have found ways to use their status within rugby league to make real positive contribution to local communities and they are to be commended for it. On behalf of the NRL, I thank them for their tireless commitment both on and off the field.”
The nominees for this year's Veronica White Medal - Woman of the Year are:
- Jaime Chapman (Broncos)
- Steph Hancock (Titans)
- Millie Boyle (Knights)
- Kennedy Cherrington (Eels)
- Olivia Kernick (Roosters)
Click here to cast your vote!
Jaime Chapman (Broncos)
With a passion for inspiring fans, Jaime is always volunteering her time. She loves to attend ‘meet and greet’ sessions and frequently visits girls junior rugby league clubs and schools. She constantly looks for ways to support young girls looking for a pathway into rugby league. Jaime takes the time to talk to the fans, making them feel important and valued. The significant impact Jaime makes on young women by spending time with them, listening to their story, and encouraging them to follow their own dreams is clear at all community events.
Steph Hancock (Titans)
As a household name, Stephanie has paved the way for young females wanting to play rugby league. Her focus on the participation of females in the game ensures Stephanie is often in the community running development programs, junior female academies and promoting female participation in rugby league. Stephanie created a woman’s rugby league charity match for drought-stricken communities, raising $10,000 for drought relief while promoting women in league.
Millie Boyle (Knights)
Millie has enthusiastically embraced all opportunities to be part of the Knight’s community work, from hospital visits to community events including volunteering her voice and personal experience at a Butterfly Foundation panel presentation. It was clear Millie made a significant impact on the audience, inspiring them to love ‘the skin they are in’, reminding them of the importance of personal appreciation and acceptance. In addition to giving her time to these important community activities, Millie’s most significant and impactful community service is to those living with disability. So fiercely dedicated and passionate to the cause, Millie started the Game Changer program to help people realise their full potential. In six months, Millie has delivered seven Game Changer workshops throughout NSW and Queensland, positively impacting more than two hundred program participants, as well as their family and friends.
Kennedy Cherrington (Eels)
Overcoming adversity as a child with a heart disease, Kennedy is committed to dedicating her time to give back to charities and organisations that helped her overcome heart disease, allowing her to play the game she loves - rugby league. Kennedy proudly supports several charities and special fundraiser events. These include; Heart Kids Charity, “2 Feet and a Heartbeat” walk and a Superhero Day fundraiser as well as attending a telethon fundraiser for SweetHeart Day, single-handedly raising the most money.
Olivia Kernick (Roosters)
As a proud Indigenous and Maori woman, Olivia was involved in the Sydney Roosters NAIDOC week celebrations across NSW and supports her nominated charity – Yerin Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Health Services. Olivia considers opportunities to represent her cultures as a privilege and honour, but also a chance to inspire Indigenous and Maori girls to work hard to achieve their dreams. Despite juggling two jobs, as a law firm receptionist and a learning support officer in a school, Olivia has volunteered countless hours of her own time in the community for the Sydney Roosters. Tricolours Development Days, Sydney Roosters Sponsorship evening, Kikupa Cup Touch Football Gala Day are just some of the many events Olivia has been part of during 2022.