Ken Stephen Medal - Man of the Year

2023 Ken Stephen Medal Winner - Latrell Mitchell

About the Medal

The Ken Stephen Medal - Man of the Year recognises the efforts of an NRL player who has not only achieved on the field, but has committed time off the field to community projects. A player is nominated by their NRL club for going above and beyond in their involvement in charity work, youth development or community support.

The 2023 Ken Stephen Medal - Man of the Year nominees form the NRL Community Team of the Year.

This year will be the 35th instance that the Ken Stephen Medal will be awarded, with a host of worthy recipients receiving this prestigious award since Wayne Pearce won the inaugural medal in 1988, including Ryan James, Joel Thompson, Jonathan Thurston, Nathan Hindmarsh and Ronaldo Mulitalo.

Fans have the chance to vote for their favourite Ken Stephen Medal - Man of the Year nominee below!

Voting closed.

Cody Walker 2022 Winner

A true leader, on and off the field at the Rabbitohs and in the wider community. The Casino Cougars’ junior uses his high- profile to contribute to the community in numerous ways, making genuine measured change.

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Ronaldo Mulitalo 2021 Winner

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks player Ronaldo Mulitalo has been crowned the game’s Man of the Year, winning the 2021 Ken Stephen Medal. Mulitalo helped deliver NRL’s Voice Against Violence and League Bilong Laif programs in schools during his time in Papua New Guinea, while also focussing on supporting children with disabilities by participating in Sharks All Abilities School Program and the Skillz4me program.

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Connor Watson 2020 Winner

The 2020 Ken Stephen Medallist is Newcastle Knights' Connor Watson - a champion on and off the field! Sparked by losing his 17-year-old cousin Parker to suicide, Watson, his parents Mark and Jodie and their Cultural Choice Association (CCA) have worked to make Boots for Brighter Futures a hallmark of Indigenous Round and a catalyst for important conversations in the Indigenous and broader community.

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Sia Soliola 2019 Winner

Our 2019 Ken Stephen Medallist was Canberra Raiders' Sia Soliola - a champion on and off the field! Sia is the consummate club professional in his understanding and dedication to promoting both the game of rugby league and the Canberra Raiders. He understands his role both as a club leader where he is often referred to in the media as the “spiritual leader” and someone who brings the internal values of the Raiders to life.

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Previous Winners Ken Stephen - Man of the Year Medallists

Honouring our past Ken Stephen Medallist 's - Our champion on and off the field!

Media Release

Cody Walker and Kennedy Cherrington crowned Man and Woman of the Year

Sun 02 Oct, 2022

Community

NRL unveils inaugural Community Team of the Year

Tue 23 Aug, 2022

National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.