Twal and McGregor take out major Wests Tigers Awards

Alex Twal and Raecene McGregor have taken out the major awards at the Wests Tigers Gala Awards Night for season 2026.

Twal claimed the prestigious Kelly-Barnes Medal with McGregor taking home the Wests Tigers NRLW Player of the Year Award respectively on Tuesday night at Doltone House, Jones Bay Wharf.

Twal is a first-time winner of the Kelly-Barnes Medal for the Best and Fairest as voted on a points system each round by the NRL coaching staff.

A highly experienced and respected clubman, Twal’s leadership and influence on his team-mates was huge in an incredible 10th season in the NRL at Wests Tigers.

The 30-year-old played 16 matches at lock to take his tally to 181 club games.

Twal amassed 1881 run metres for an average 117 metres per game, along with 35 tackle breaks. He also made 623 post-contact metres along with 29 offloads.

Defensively, Twal made 671 tackles with a very impressive tackle efficiency rate of 96%. His highest tackle count was a staggering 62 made against Cronulla in Round 9.

Respected captain Api Koroisau was rewarded for another fine season by winning the coveted NRL Players' Player Award.

From his 19 games, Koroisau had four try assists, two-line breaks assists and ran 953 metres for an average of 50 metres per game. Defensively, Koroisau made 775 tackles with a high efficiency rate of 92%.

In her first season at Wests Tigers, McGregor was a popular winner of the NRLW Player of the Year Award.

A former NSW Women’s Premiership player with the Tigers, McGregor returned to Concord this season as part of the major NRLW program rebuild under new coach Craig Sandercock.

It proved to be a masterstroke with McGregor playing a dominant role as the Tigers made the NRLW finals for the first time since entering the competition in 2023.

McGregor’s experience, game knowledge, and leadership proved invaluable in leading the team’s attack where she had 11 try assists and eight-line break assists in her 11 games to date.

She also kicked her first ever field goal to get the Wests Tigers home in a heart-stopping 27-26 victory over the Newcastle Knights in Round 8.

Hard working second-rower Shaylee Bent was a popular winner of the NRLW Players' Player Award.

Bent created plenty of havoc on the edge with her sharp running, amassing five-line breaks and three-line break assists for an average 117 metres in her 11 games this season.

Bent briefly held the record for the fastest ever NRLW try this season, with a 47-second effort against the Newcastle Knights in Round 8.

Talented youngsters Heamasi Makasini and Namoe Gesa took home the NRL and NRLW Rookie of the Year awards respectively.

Makasini made 14 appearances at centre/wing with the 19-year-old gaining valuable first grade experience to claim the NRL Rookie of the Year award.

A powerful centre, Gesa has played eight regular season games in her debut season and learnt plenty about preparation and playing in the NRLW in her rookie year.

Halfback Jock Madden was also a well-deserved winner of the Wayne Pearce Community Award.

Madden has made a significant impact in the community through his genuine commitment to giving back and supporting others.

A standout example was his willingness to visit children in hospital, bringing smiles, hope and joy to young patients and their families during challenging times.

His selfless approach, kindness and dedication to making a difference embody the spirit of the Wayne Pearce Community Award.

Wests Tigers CEO Shaun Mielekamp congratulated all the evening’s winners.

“We’ve had the opportunity to celebrate some fantastic individual performances across the 2026 season tonight,” Mielekamp said.

“There have been worthy winners across the board and they should all be proud of the work they’ve put in this year.

“It’s always a great occasion when we can bring our Wests Tigers family together, particularly as we look ahead to NRLW Finals this Friday night in Campbelltown.

“We continue to make great progress as a Club, which is important for us to reflect on as we turn our attention to 2027."

2026 Wests Tigers Awards Gala winners: 

Kelly-Barnes Medal: Alex Twal

NRLW Player of the Year Medal: Raecene McGregor

NRL Players Player Award: Apisai Koroisau

NRLW Players Player Award: Shaylee Bent

NRL Rookie of the Year:  Heamasi Makasini

NRLW Rookie of the Year: Namoe Gesa

Wayne Pearce Community Award Winner: Jock Madden