From 2004 to 2024 and beyond: Widders makes a lasting impact

Two decades after receiving the Ken Stephen Medal for his work within the community, Dean Widders continues to be one of the most vocal and respected Indigenous leaders in rugby league.

Since being awarded the prestigious medal in 2004, Widders has dedicated his post-football career to fostering the relationship between rugby league and the Aboriginal communities and today works for the NRL as the Indigenous Player Wellbeing and Education Manager. 

Recognised at the time for his work in regional communities and also as an educational ambassador, delivering books personally to isolated communities to promote reading amongst disadvantaged youth, Widders said the award had a big impact on him and the communities he worked within.

“I think the medal did two things for me. One, it recognises your commitment and the work you put in but the best thing for me as an Indigenous man, was at the time, it put a spotlight on things that I was trying to tackle in the Indigenous community,” Widders told NRL.com. 

“I was really proud that the game showed an appreciation for the work that I was doing in the Indigenous community and not only encouraged me to continue with the work but for others to get involved as well. 

“No player will do community work for recognition or to be put in the spotlight but I think it does help raise awareness for the issues you’re trying to tackle and the people you’re working with and helping. It really was an award that I was truly really proud to receive.”

Since Widders received the award in 2004, a host of proud Indigenous players have also gone on to receive the same honour including Sam Thaiday, Johnathan Thurston, Joel Thompson, Connor Watson, Cody Walker and Latrell Mitchell.

“The game has a tremendous influence on Indigenous communities so it’s great to see our players take on that responsibility of going out there and making a difference,” Widders said.

“Aboriginal people are still facing challenges and rugby league is an opportunity for us to move forward and to grow. 

“As an Indigenous player, you are given an opportunity to make a difference and a platform to speak on so our players must take on that responsibility because our game is so important to Aboriginal communities.”

Twenty years on from receiving the award, Widders passion for the game is as strong as ever and the Parramatta Eels legend puts that down to a deep passion in giving back to those around him.

“It’s been something in me since I was a young kid. My mum was a school teacher and my dad was a footy coach and they did everything in the community, so I was always going to give back to people around me,” he said. 

“I was obviously very proud of my culture and I also wanted to make a difference for Aboriginal people and help young people be proud of their culture too. 

“I always knew it was something I was going to do and while I was playing it was quite easy to work in community programs, to now be working in the game and still doing those things, it’s still natural to me.”

• 2024 Ken Stephen Medal nominees