The Wests Tigers next generation of stars were recognised at the Club’s 2025 Gala Awards, with Tony Sukkar and Caitlin Turnbull named the NRL and NRLW Rookies of the Year respectively.
Both enjoyed breakout 2025 campaigns, impressing both their coaches and teammates as they established themselves in the top grade.
After joining the Wests Tigers ahead of the 2025 season, Caitlin Turnbull wasted no time making an impact in her debut NRLW campaign.
The 24-year-old winger/fullback played 10 matches, scoring 8 tries and running for 1,296 metres (an average of 129 per game) while making 41 tackle breaks and 8 line breaks.
Turnbull – a former Australian OzTag representative and Rugby Sevens player – brought pace and a natural attacking instinct to the Tigers backline and quickly became one of the side’s most dangerous strike weapons.
Having captained the Wentworthville Magpies in the Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership just a year earlier, Turnbull’s transition to top-tier football was seamless.
Turnbull’s standout form not only earned her the Club’s NRLW Rookie of the Year honour but also saw her named NRLW Players’ Player. In establishing herself as one of the most exciting emerging backs in the competition, Turnbull was also named in the Prime Ministers XIII squad to travel to Port Moresby.
Joining her in the winners circle, Tony Sukkar capped off his first full NRL season by being named Wests Tigers NRL Rookie of the Year.
The 21-year-old second-rower featured in 15 matches throughout 2025, earning praise for his consistency, discipline and defensive work rate – proving an ever-reliable option for Head Coach, Benji Marshall.
Sukkar made 282 tackles at a 93% efficiency rate, while contributing strongly through the middle third with 583 running metres and two line break assists.
A Balmain junior, Sukkar’s journey through the Wests Tigers system has been one of steady progression from Harold Matthews and SG Ball to Jersey Flegg in 2023, NSW Cup in 2024, and finally a breakthrough NRL campaign in 2025.
Known for his strong carries and line-running ability, Sukkar has earned the trust of the coaching staff and senior players alike, with his teammates praising his effort and composure under pressure.
Sukkar’s story also serves as a powerful example of the Club’s Pathways fostering first-grade talent; with his arrival at NRL level a source of pride for the entire organisation as well as the junior clubs – Enfield Federals, Strathfield Raiders, and Concord-Burwood Wolves – who helped shape his development.
Turnbull and Sukkar represent a glimpse of the bright future of the Wests Tigers and are players who have earned respect not only for their talent, but for their work ethic and attitude.
With both players now established at NRL and NRLW level, the foundation is set for long and successful careers in orange, black and white.
