South Sydney Rabbitohs fullback Latrell Mitchell and North Queensland Cowboys half Tahlulah Tillett have been announced as the game’s Man and Woman of the Year, taking out the 2023 Ken Stephen Medal and Veronica White Medal respectively.
The prestigious awards were presented for the first time at the Dally M Awards this evening at Winx Stand, Randwick. The duo will also be acknowledged at Accor Stadium ahead of the NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final.
Mitchell was crowned the Ken Stephen Medallist ahead of finalists James Tedesco (Sydney Roosters), Jamal Fogarty (Canberra Raiders), Pat Carrigan (Brisbane Broncos) and Toby Rudolf (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks).
The Ken Stephen Medal and Veronica White Medals, presented by Westpac, recognise the efforts of players who have not only achieved on the field but have committed time off the field to community projects.
Stemming from his upbringing in the regional NSW town of Taree, Mitchell 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.
Tillett was awarded the Veronica White Medal ahead of Botille Vette-Welsh (Wests Tigers), Sophie Holyman (Canberra Raiders) and Bobbi Law (St George Illawarra Dragons).
Tillett donates her time for a multitude of community engagements across Queensland. From supporting her Junior Club, Cairns Kangaroos, to welcoming Torres Strait Island junior rugby league teams and being part of junior clinics throughout Queensland, Tillett encourages junior development at grassroots level.
“Latrell and Tahlulah are incredible players, inspirational people and wonderful leaders in the game,” NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said.
“Latrell has helped rural towns re-build after a natural disaster, campaigned against online bullying, become a mental health ambassador of the Goanna Academy. He dedicates his all to the community and has made a positive impact on many people’s lives.
“Tahlulah has used her own challenges to inspire youth, especially females, to be brave, resilient and to persevere through adversity. She has become a role model and leader in the community.”
Westpac Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Annabel Fribence, added: “At Westpac, we take great pride in our partnership with the NRL Community Awards and would like to congratulate this year’s Ken Stephen Medal recipient, Latrell Michell and Veronica White Medal recipient Tahlulah Tillett. These two players should be celebrated for their unwavering dedication to their local rugby league community and commitment beyond the game, as showcased through their support of grass roots and community programs.”
Additional 2023 NRL Community Awards Grassroots winners are below:
- Young person of the Year - Douglas Brown
- Community Club of the Year - Zenadth Kes Junior Rugby League
- Teacher of the Year - Kylie Boulous
- Indigenous Community Award - Candita Collins
- Women in League Award - Poihaere Birtles
- Volunteer of the Year - Andrew Unger
An overview of the Ken Stephen Medal Finalists can be found here: NRL announce finalists for 2023 Ken Stephen Medal, James Tedesco, Latrell Mitchell, Patrick Carrigan, Jamal Fogarty, Toby Rudolf | NRL.com
An overview of the Veronica White Medal Finalists can be found here:
An overview of the NRL Community Awards Grassroots winners and finalists can be found at: NRL 2023, Community award winners, NRL announce grassroots award winners for 2023 Community Awards | NRL.com