Isabelle Kelly has been rewarded for her inspirational performances to lead Sydney Roosters to the grand final after being named the 2024 Players’ Champion, as voted by NRLW players.
Kelly has been a leading force at centre for her Sydney Roosters side, producing her trademark power game almost every time she has taken the field.
“It is a massive honour,” Kelly said of winning the RLPA award. “Looking at the calibre of players who have won this award before is super special for me.
"Being voted by the wider playing group is something that I am honoured with and I’m really grateful for all the girls who voted for me.
“When you look at those players [previous winners], they’ve been pioneers within our women’s game.
"To be alongside them and have my name with theirs is a massive honour and something I don’t take very lightly and something that I am super proud of.”
In her 10 games so far for the 2024 NRLW season, Kelly has three tries, three try assists, nine line breaks, and is averaging 198 metres per game.
The Roosters captain is second in the league for post-contact metres, fourth for tackle breaks, second for total run metres, and sixth for line breaks.
Kelly is the fourth Roosters’ player to win the NRLW Players’ Champion from the NRLW, and the last Rooster to win the individual accolade, Raecene McGregor, praised Kelly for being voted the 2024 Players’ Champion.
“Issy is one of the hardest working people I’ve met, and this Players' Champion accolade comes off the back of how much time and energy she has committed to try and be the best player she can be,” McGregor said.
“Isabelle is also a great leader, and those leadership qualities don't go unnoticed by teammates and rival players.
"She really deserves this Player's Champion award, as voted by NRLW players. She’s not only a great player but an even better person who I am proud to have called a teammate and shared a field with as an opposing player.”
Teagan Berry, the 2023 Players’ Champion winner, also praised Kelly for her 2024 NRLW season.
“I just wanted to say a massive congrats to Issy on being chosen as the Players’ Champion for 2024,” Berry said.
NRLW players to watch in 2024: Isabelle Kelly
“I know for me being voted as the best last year from the players was something so special. Issy has had an outstanding year as always.
"She is a pioneer of our game and is an inspiration to not only myself but also to the young female players aspiring to play in the NRLW.”
Clint Newton, CEO of the RLPA, praised Kelly for being voted the 2024 Players’ Champion by her fellow NRLW players.
“On behalf of the RLPA I would like to congratulate Isabelle on winning the game’s biggest and most prestigious player-voted award,” said Clint Newton.
“Isabelle has led her team with bravery, commitment and class with her brutal running game that has been a key element of the Roosters path to the NRLW Grand Final.”
