The Wests Tigers contenders for the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) 2025 Players’ Champion awards have been revealed.
The contenders for the two individual awards – hand-picked by the RLPA’s player leaders from every NRL and NRLW club – are now eligible to be voted by NRL and NRLW players as their respective competition’s best player.
Jahream Bula, Adam Doueihi, Jarome Luai and Terrell May have been nominated from the Wests Tigers NRL program; while Kezie Apps, Emily Bass, Sarah Togatuki and Caitlin Turnbull have been recognised for their performances throughout the 2025 NRLW season.
With four representatives from every team, there are 68 NRL players and 48 NRLW players in contention for one of rugby league’s most prestigious individual honours – The Players’ Champion – as voted by the players.
The individual winners of the Players’ Champion from the NRL and NRLW will be announced on Thursday, 2 October.
How does Players’ Champion voting work?
The contenders list is composed of four players from each club who are nominated to be eligible for The Players’ Champion individual award.
In the NRL competition, RLPA Delegates put forward three Contenders from their own teams before an RLPA Working Group panel (made up of current and former NRL players) nominates a fourth and final player from each team.
In total, 68 NRL players and 48 NRLW players are then eligible to receive Players’ Champion votes from their peers in the end-of-season poll.
Voting is open to all contracted NRL and NRLW players, with each player voting for opposition Contenders using a 3/2/1 format. Players cannot vote for their teammates.
Players are not penalised for any suspensions and/or fines received during the course of the season.
The player with the most number of votes across all teams is awarded The Players’ Champion.
Important dates for 2025 Players’ Awards:
September 10: Dennis Tutty Awards from the NRL and NRLW
September 15: Players’ Rookie of the Year from the NRL
September 17: Players’ Rookie of the Year from the NRLW
September 22: Players’ Dream Team from the NRL
September 24: Players’ Dream Team from the NRLW
October 2: The Players’ Champion from the NRL and NRLW
All Players’ Awards will be announced on Channel 9, courtesy of the RLPA’s renewed partnership with the host broadcaster.
