NRL announces 2023 NRL Community Team of the Year

The National Rugby League has today announced the nominees for this year's Ken Stephen Medal - Man of the Year, which 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 Ken Stephen Medal - Man of the Year nominees form the annual NRL Community Team of the Year, recognising each nominee as part of an elite cohort for their contribution off the field to community service.

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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.

This year will be the 35th 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, Nathan Hindmarsh and Ronaldo Mulitalo.

The NRL invites and encourages fans to vote for their favourite nominee for this year's award. Voting will run from July 5 to July 13 so get your votes in!

Click here to cast your vote!

The nominees for this year's Ken Stephen Medal - Man of the Year are:

• Patrick Carrigan (Broncos)
• Jamal Fogarty (Raiders)
• Viliame Kikau (Bulldogs)
• Toby Rudolf (Sharks)
• Tom Gilbert (Dolphins)
• Beau Fermor (Titans)
• Jayden Nikorima (Storm)
• Jacob Saifiti (Knights)
• Tohu Harris (Warriors)
• Jake Granville (Cowboys)
• Junior Paulo (Eels)
• Tyrone Peachey (Panthers)
• Latrell Mitchell (Rabbitohs)
• Blake Lawrie (Dragons)
• James Tedesco (Roosters)
• Api Koroisau (Wests Tigers)

Patrick Carrigan – Brisbane Broncos

Patrick’s junior club, Easts Tigers Juniors, would be proud of his achievements – on and off the field. A dedicated and talented player, Patrick is deeply committed to making a difference in the Brisbane Broncos community.

Whether at a Connect Rugby League All Abilities Game, attending a Royal Flying Doctors Charity Dinner, meeting young fans or supporting fans who are battling illness, Patrick’s understated passion for giving back to the community is evident in all he does. Patrick wholeheartedly helps and inspires individuals, families and organisations. He has made a difference to the outlook of cancer patients in the Brisbane Broncos community, forging personal relationships and genuinely walking beside them during their treatment.

Patrick has enthusiastically embraced the charity Orange Sky Laundry, becoming an ambassador, raising much needed funds and awareness for Orange Sky and their daily work with the homeless community. Inspired by his work with Orange Sky, Patrick looks for other opportunities to help feed the underprivileged, often boxing up remaining catering after an event and driving it to homeless shelters.

Patrick’s on-field accolades, coupled with his genuine passion to serve the community, make Patrick a role model and leader for his teammates.

Jamal Fogarty – Canberra Raiders

A proud Mununjali man from Beaudesert, Jamal is a great source of motivation for Indigenous and non-Indigenous players.

Jamal is a proud ambassador of the Ronald McDonald House Canberra (RMHC), who provide accommodation for families with seriously ill children. Jamal liaises directly with the charity to arrange visits and raises funds for this charity in his own time. He donates his own playing gear to raises money for the charity. His recent auction raised enough funds to support a family for seventeen nights at RMHC. The Beaudesert Kingfishers Junior does not stop there, he chose to be the Win the Day Ambassador – supporting families, raising awareness and funds for rare childhood cancer research.

Canberra Raiders charity partner, Bimberi Youth Justice Service, is proud to have Jamal participating in their program. The program seeks to support young people building skills to get back on track, avoid future criminal behaviour and return confidently to the community. Jamal’s voluntary support of this program has helped other Raiders players find the confidence to attend program sessions too. Jamal is a quiet leader who leads by example.

These inspirational ambassador roles are just some of the ways Jamal gives back to the Canberra Raiders community. He also visited schools in the 2023 NRL School Blitz, read books during National Simultaneous Reading time, and shared stories with twenty Indigenous high school students.

Viliame Kikau – Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs

Viliame Kikau is a shining example of an athlete who uses their platform to make a difference in the community. Born in Fiji, his love for his community is evident in his commitment to fostering the growth of young Fijian athletes. He founded the Kikau Academy with the vision of not only nurturing their rugby league skills but also contributing to their development off the field.

He arranges rugby league clinics, coaching workshops, and community events to offer Fijians opportunities to prosper both on and off the field. His devotion to seeing his fellow Fijians flourish speaks volumes about his commitment and care for his community.

Toby Rudolf – Cronulla Sharks

Toby is committed to humbly serving the wider community. His passion for going above club commitments, to make long-lasting difference, is what sets him aside from other players

Toby works passionately for the club’s Sharks Have Heart community program and proudly holds the record for the most community work undertaken at the Sharks. He tirelessly gives his time to numerous events and fundraisers. Some of these include- Sharks Ladies Golf Fundraiser, collecting toys for a Christmas Drive, Junior League Blitz training sessions, One Heart anti-racism programs, Make a Wish Foundation and Deadly Choices Elders event.

This South Eastern Seagulls junior, is proactive, sees a need in the community and selflessly organises support. This was the case when a young fan battling Leukaemia inspired Toby to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation by shaving his signature locks for the World’s Greatest Shave. He exceeded his goal and raised $42 000 in donations. Not only did Toby raise money to put towards research, but he also raised awareness of the crucial work of the Leukaemia Foundation.

Toby passionately utilises his profile to support community initiatives. With an innate ability to connect with all generations of the Sharks Community, Toby is making a true difference and showcasing that Sharks really do have heart.

Tom Gilbert – Dolphins

Tom started his Rugby League journey at North Devils, as an enthusiastic player with an NRL dream. Now, this Dolphins star is an idol for many young players, for his work on and off the field.

Tom understands the significance of his role in shaping the long-term identity of the community work undertaken by the new club, leading younger players to pave the way to give back to the community. With eagerness and passion, Tom dedicates himself to all club community commitments such as school visits, community events, fundraisers and fan days. Recognising the importance of building relationships in the community, Tom extended numerous invitations to fans to attend closed training sessions and captain runs at the club.

Tom’s charitable nature is not new. It began as a child when he regularly donated his time to Paddy’s Van, a school-based initiative which served families and individuals facing challenging circumstances. As an inspirational player, keen to give back to the community, Tom has reunited with Paddy’s Van. Through this charity not only has Tom helped to serve less fortunate people but he has led by example, bringing members of the team with him to serve at the van too. Tom’s work with Paddy’s Van and numerous club based community initiative involvements have been achieved while also studying a University degree and playing in a new NRL club. Tom embodies unity, inclusivity and a true passion to serve his new rugby league community – the Dolphins.

Beau Fermor – Gold Coast Titans

Beau Fermor has proven that even in the face of adversity, you can still make a significant impact in your community. Despite a devastating injury at the beginning of the year, Beau's spirit remained unbroken, and his dedication to service never wavered.

Beau has been a constant contributor to his community, particularly in the area of grassroots rugby league. He has been an active assistant coach for his junior club, the Dalby Devils, despite the seven-hour round trip from the Gold Coast.

In addition to his work with the Dalby Devils, Beau also works with the local junior rugby league team, the Murwillumbah Colts.

Off the field, Beau has made a significant impact through his work with Cam's Cause, a charity organisation. He has been instrumental in organising fundraising efforts, helping to raise money and awareness for the cause. Beau's resilience and dedication to his community make him a deserving Gold Coast Titans' Ken Stephen Medal – Man of the Year nominee.

Jayden Nikorima – Melbourne Storm

Aspley Devils junior Jayden Nikorima has shown that NRL career dreams do come true and that he can work with the community to make the dreams of others come true too.

Jayden has been a committed and consistent contributor to the club’s community and charity programs. He is deeply passionate about grassroots rugby league, Jayden is the first to volunteer his time to junior rugby league clubs, rugby league clinics, and open training sessions. He connects to youth and empowers them through rugby league. His attendance at club charity events, such as Starlight Foundation and Good Friday Appeal, has helped raise money and awareness for the charities.

Jayden has also made a significant impact off the field in his personal time, particularly in the disability sector. Jayden’s passion for supporting, inspiring and including people in the community with varying disabilities is to be commended. Jayden is an ambassador for LST Support services, helping to provide compassionate, personable support to individuals with disabilities, helping them to achieve their goals, live independently where possible, and participate fully in their communities. Touched by the way he could make a difference to people with disabilities, Jayden and his brother began the charity - The Nikorima Bros - and Jayden also joined a teammate to create My People Support.

Jayden’s passion in the disability sector has made a measurable difference to the community. This has inspired the Melbourne Storm to begin establishing a Disability Action Plan. This significant milestone highlights how one man really can make a difference, on and off the field.

Jacob Saifiti – Newcastle Knights

Jacob eagerly participates in all community-based initiatives and events, always with a smile and positive attitude.

Jacob is passionate about cultural diversity and inclusivity within the rugby league community, therefore his involvement in the Knights' Multicultural Evening was pivotal to the event’s success. Jacob genuinely engaged with fans from diverse cultural backgrounds while emphasising the importance of unity and respect.

With a strong passion for supporting upcoming rugby league talent, Jacob is often working with youth in the Newcastle community. He nurtures young talent and helps young players excel in their rugby league journey. This commitment to youth development was further showcased with Jacob’s integral role at the Knights Pathways Awards dinner.

The Entrance Tigers Junior, regularly devotes his time to young patients at the John Hunter Children’s Hospital, building relationships with the families to support their journey. He also participates in the Variety Charity for Kids Christmas Party each year, bringing festivity and joy to children from diverse backgrounds and abilities.

Jacob’s energy creates a meaningful impact on the community. Whether it is at a fan day, an event, charity work or supporting patients, Jacob brings a sense of hope and positivity to all.

Tohu Harris – Warriors

With a passion for going beyond his club commitments, Tohu Harris is a leader on and off the field. Tohu is deeply committed to enriching the lives of the New Zealand community through a variety of ways.

After years of COVID restrictions, this year, the New Zealand Warriors were enthusiastic to be back playing on home soil. Tohu and his teammates were determined to repay their faithful fans who had stood by the team who had spent the best part of two years living and playing all their NRL matches outside their country. Upon his return to New Zealand, Tohu was committed to make a difference in his community. Tohu has stood out as a Warrior who passionately embraced his role in community, working with the club’s Warrior’s Community Foundation in programs such as League in Libraries and Prepare to Perform.

Beyond his club community work, Tohu has worked closely with a local school to fundraise for resources such as new netball courts and an outdoor canopy and skateboarding ramp. These new resources provide opportunities for students to be physically active while engaging with the local community. Tohu promotes the value of regular exercise whenever visiting local schools or junior clubs.

Tohu is passionate about helping local communities. His visits to Napier, after a natural disaster hit their community, uplifted the spirits of the locals. He humbly visits communities, always willing to help practically or support locals emotionally.

Starting his NRL journey by playing for Tamatea Junior Football Club, Tohu is an inspiration to all New Zealanders, especially young children, as they pursue their dreams of one day playing in the NRL.

Jake Granville – North Queensland Cowboys

Jake started his rugby league journey at Rockhampton Brothers, as a talented player with an NRL dream. He is now able to make a genuine difference in the Queensland community by utilising his NRL profile.

In addition to his club commitments, Jake regularly gives back to the community, through school and hospital visits. Jake has also shown dedication and commitment to his community work, particularly in the disability sector. Since 2015 he has been the adopted Cowboy at Townsville Community Learning Centre, a state school for students with an intellectual disability. His regular visits to the school, to encourage teamwork, persistence and gratitude. His commitment to the school has ensured he has built strong relationships with students and staff.

Jake has had a longstanding relationship with Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia, as their ambassador. Through this role he has recently joined the Cowboys in Capes program, visiting wards at Townsville University Hospital, lifting the spirit of patients and their families.

Juggling fatherhood, an NRL career and passionately serving his charities and community partners, is not always easy but Jake’s passion to make a difference ensures he positively fulfils his duties. Leading by example, Jake is an outstanding role model to younger players in the club, leading with action rather than words.

Junior Paulo – Parramatta Eels

A proud Samoan-Australian, Junior Paulo is an outstanding leader on the field but is also focused on being a strong community leader for the youth of Western Sydney.

The Cabramatta Two Blues Junior has forged a strong connection with the Police Citizens Youth Clubs (PCYC), with Junior volunteering to be their ambassador. This connection is more than a club commitment with Junior’s link to the PCYC starting in his youth. Now, as a strong role model, Junior can help youth of Western Sydney make positive choices by sharing his personal stories at the PCYC. Junior is also a spokesperson for an Anti-Violence Program in Western Sydney schools. He is a strong role model for youth in the area, building relationships with members of the community by participating in a weekly touch footy game for locals – Village Touch Games.

Junior, who has been given a prestigious Samoan Chief title, has become a cultural leader at the Parramatta Eels. Over half the Parramatta Eels playing group identify as Pasifika or Māori heritage and Junior has undertaken a leadership role at the club, consulting on all Pasifika or Māori decisions.

Fiercely proud of his heritage and his upbringing in Western Sydney, Junior is a passionate, hardworking leader who humbly gives his all to his beloved Parramatta Eels community.

Tyrone Peachey – Penrith Panthers

A Cronulla-Caringbah Sharks Junior, to a rising star in the NRL, Tyrone Peachey is an example of selflessness.

Regularly visiting schools, jails and boys’ homes as part of the Panthers on the Prowl Program, Tyrone makes a positive and lasting difference to the wellbeing of young people in the local community. At games Tyrone is focused on the field, yet also ensures he has time for the supportive fans signing their memorabilia with enthusiasm, talking to fans and building connections after the game.

Tyrone takes his role as a community leader seriously, as such he dedicates his own time to be an ambassador with the Kirinari Hostel, supporting disadvantaged youth. His commitment also extends to the older generation with Tyrone’s involvement with Nanima Care, providing transport and assistance to elders in the community. Tyrone has been instrumental in fostering cultural pride at the club, with the establishment of the Darug Panthers Group – inclusive of all Indigenous Penrith Panthers from junior representatives up to the NRL.

Through his successful NRL career, Tyrone recognises his ability to make a positive impact and lasting difference in the lives of others in the community.

Latrell Mitchell – South Sydney Rabbitohs

Latrell Mitchell has an undeniable passion for the game of rugby league. The same grit and determination Latrell displays on the field, he also displays off the field in his work with the Souths Cares program.

Stemming from his own humble up-bringing in the regional NSW town of Taree, Latrell is passionate about a wide range of initiatives outside of his club commitments, with a focus on Indigenous communities, regional NSW, mental health and grass-roots rugby league. Whether it is helping rural towns re-building after a natural disaster, campaigning against online bullying, or becoming a mental health ambassador of the Goanna Academy, Latrell gives his all to anything he sets his mind to. This passion and dedication ensure he makes significant difference to everything he pursues.

Latrell helps grass-roots juniors and Indigenous and female teams achieve their dreams by making financial donations, discreetly, without the pursuit of public accolade. This personal investment to making a difference to Indigenous communities is also demonstrated by Latrell hosting a male Leadership and Cultural Camp at Latrell’s family farm in Taree. Participants from the Liverpool Opportunity Hub, Nanga Mai Marri (Dream Big) program and the Deadly Youth Mentoring Program all attended the family farm and were able to witness Latrell’s generosity, courage and empathy.

A Taree Red Rover’s junior, Latrell is proud of his heritage and ensures he is a positive example of inclusivity and unity for all.

Blake Lawrie – St George Illawarra Dragons

Wearing the Red V with pride, on and off the field, Blake has given tirelessly to the local community in a wide variety of ways.

For over a decade, Blake has been delivering and expanding The Best You Can Be health and wellbeing program. The program involves 8 500 students over 97 schools, with Blake being the nominated player leader for Lakelands Public School. He also works with local high schools, discussing domestic violence for White Ribbon Day, and supporting the mental health of youth in the area. Blake supports a local Indigenous artist having his boots painted for the NRL’s Indigenous round, donating the boots back to the artist at the end of the game.

Beyond his club commitments, Blake is involved in numerous community and charity organisations, passionately giving up his own time. Blake’s junior club, the Dapto Canaries, regularly welcomes Blake to the club where he supports the junior players’ training sessions, attends special events and fundraisers. Blake has been a strong supporter of the growing Men’s Mental Health Charity, Barstool Brothers, since 2019. He was instrumental in their Kokoda Trail mission, donating merchandise, boots, socks and equipment.

Understanding the importance of community members’ financial involvement in the club’s success, Blake volunteered to be the Red V Membership Ambassador. He was a strong advocate in promoting the relationship between the club and the community with a goal to build memberships at the club.

Blake demonstrates selflessness in his community and charity work. Deeply committed to making a difference, Blake undertakes numerous initiatives to enhance the St George Illawarra Dragons community.

James Tedesco – Sydney Roosters

Champion fullback, James Tedesco, is a player who consistently strives to go above and beyond to help those in the community – all with an infectious smile!

The Camden Rams junior, recognises the way his high profile can help those in need in the community. His ambassador role with Heroes with Ability demonstrates his passion for inclusivity, while his club community commitments ensure James works with charities, youth development and community support.

James is particularly proud of his patronage with the Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation, a charity which financially supports mobile care units that provide much-needed assistance to children with cancer. He has passionately raised funds and awareness for the charity since 2019 and has had an outreach program named in his honour – the James Tedesco Outreach Program. This program will be established in the Children’s Hospital in Randwick and will employ a nurse to operate outreach programs for children with cancer.

Juggling a captaincy, representing Australia in the Rugby League World Cup and playing in the State of Origin all add extra pressure to an already gruelling NRL season. These extra commitments have not stopped James’ efforts to make a difference in the community – giving back to the fans who support him.

Api Koroisau – Wests Tigers

Api’s positive attitude and leadership has been instrumental in the club’s success in authentically engaging with the Greater Western Sydney region.

During 2023, Api was instrumental in the Wests Tigers School Community Blitz, teaching students to be respectful in the community. He was also pivotal in the Wests Tigers pilot program called Kick Start, at the Mid-North Coast Correctional Centre. Through this health and wellbeing program, Api was able to encourage inmates to make healthier decisions. Using his platform as NRL Captain, Api volunteered his time in the Wests Tigers Teach program focusing on themes such as support, respect, communication and teamwork.

Api’s dedication to the grassroots player development at the club is evident in his leadership and participation in the Wests Tigers’ Back to the Juniors Program. He helps less experienced players and inspires grassroots players by sharing stories from his own junior league journey with the Berela Bears.

Api’s presence and achievements resonate deeply with the Western Sydney Community, particularly with Pasifika youth. This honour is valued by Api, who strives to be the best role model he can.