Wests Tigers are proud to announce that NRLW forward Sarah Togatuki has been nominated for the 2025 Veronica White Medal, recognising her remarkable service to the community.
The Veronica White Medal celebrates NRLW players who go above and beyond in making a difference in their communities, mirroring the criteria of the Ken Stephen Medal.
Each nominee forms part of the NRLW Community Team of the Year, representing the elite cohort of athletes leading through service.
Known affectionately as “Sala”, Togatuki works full-time as a Community Engagement Coordinator with the club’s community team.
Despite suffering a season-ending injury in 2024, she continued to dedicate herself to her full-time role, delivering school, club, and youth programs across Southwest and Inner West Sydney.
Her workshops focus on empowerment, mental health, cultural identity, leadership, and goal setting; creating safe and meaningful spaces for young people to thrive.
Sala has been instrumental in shaping the Wests Tigers Empower program, with the club's community initiative primarily supporting primary school students and their families.
She also delivers outstanding high school programs - Classroom to Careers, Healthy Relationships, and Stripes for Success - which engage students across multiple schools each term.
Her passion for grassroots rugby league is evident through her ambassador work with Family of League, St Marys Saints, and the FTA Academy in Mount Druitt, where she works alongside other prominent Pasifika athletes to inspire the next generation.
On top of her club commitments with Wests Tigers, Sala independently established the Sarah Togatuki Girls Academy, a football development clinic dedicated to empowering young women through sport, mentorship, and culture.
Her most recent clinic drew 70 girls, highlighting the trust and influence she holds within her community.
Sala’s story is not just one of service, but of resilience.
Earlier this year, she endured the heartbreaking loss of her sister while in NSW Blues camp for State of Origin.
Despite the personal tragedy, she continued to show up for her family, teammates, and community, and demonstrated extraordinary strength and leadership in playing out the remainder of the Origin series.
Wests Tigers Community Lead, Kenneth Tuala, said Sala’s nomination is a fitting acknowledgment of her impact:
“Sala is the heartbeat of our community team,” said Tuala.
“Her love for people, culture, and service is unmatched.
“This nomination is just a small reflection of the huge impact she has on everyone around her.”
Fans can now show their support by voting Sala for the 2025 Veronica White Medal - Woman of the Year.
Click the link below to cast your vote and help recognise the incredible contribution Sala continues to make in the community:
