Ken Stephen Medal 2018

Nominations for the 2018 NRL Community Awards have now closed! Please visit again in mid-2019 to submit your nominations for next year's Awards.

Ken Stephen Medal

The Ken Stephen Medal recognises the efforts of an NRL player who has not only achieved on the field, but has also committed time off the field to community projects.

A player is nominated by their club for their involvement in charity work, youth development or community support. The nominated player will have consistently demonstrated their commitment to making a difference in their community and be seen as a role model in this area at their club.

This year is the thirtieth instance that the Ken Stephen Medal has been awarded. There have been of host of worthy recipients of this prestigious award since 1988, winners over the past 10 years include:

2017 Sam Tagataese (Sharks)
2016 Joel Thompson (Dragons)
2015 Luke Douglas (Titans)
2014 Trent Hodkinson (Bulldogs)
2013 Terry Campese (Raiders)
2012 Jonathan Thurston (Cowboys)
2011 Sam Thaiday (Broncos)
2010 Andrew Ryan (Bulldogs)
2009 Nathan Hindmarsh (Eels)
2008 Preston Campbell (Titans)
2007 Ruben Wiki (Warriors)

This year's winner was announced at the 2018 Dally M Awards, and celebrated on-field during the 2018 NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final. The Ken Stephen Medal is proudly supported by Skillsroad and P&O Cruises.

This year's nominees

Follow the links to learn more about the incredible work that each nominee has carried out. Make sure to regularly visit this page as more unsung heroes are showcased and celebrated: 

This year's winner

RYAN JAMES, GOLD COAST TITANS

Following in Preston Campbell's footsteps, Ryan has taken inspiration from the Titans legend to become a role model for his community. Congratulations on winning the 2018 Ken Stephen Medal!

This year's finalists

Congratulations to our three other finalists for 2018. Follow the links below to watch each one in action:

DARIUS BOYD, BRISBANE BRONCOS

A leader both on and off the field, Darius holds many roles at the Brisbane Broncos but always finds time to give back.

SAM WILLIAMS, CANBERRA RAIDERS

Currently in his third stint with the Canberra Raiders, Sam is a local Cooma junior who has never forgotten his roots.

JOEL THOMPSON, MANLY WARRINGAH SEA EAGLES

Since arriving at the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles this year, Joel has been key in driving and developing the club's community programs.

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