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NRL pays tribute to members of the  league community honoured on Australia Day

The NRL wishes to acknowledge the members of the Rugby League community who have received Australia Day honours, headed by Australian Rugby League Commissioner Professor Megan Davis, who has received the highest honour of Companion of the Order of Australia (AC).

Professor Davis was among six recipients of an AC, alongside infectious diseases expert Allen Cheuk-Seng Cheng, High Court Justice James Edelman, arts patron Lyn Williams, human rights advocate Gillian Triggs and the late Indigenous land rights activist Galarrwuy Yunupingu.

Professor Davis said it was "incredibly moving" to be named in the same company as Dr Yunupingu and one of her idols - native title proponent and previous recipient Lowitja O'Donoghue.

"(Dr O'Donoghue) was an extraordinary woman to watch and to witness as a female leader in a really male environment," Prof Davis told AAP.

"They are giants of the movement. It's really humbling to be in that company."

Australia Day Honours Recipients 2025

AC

Professor Megan Davis - for eminent service to the law and to social justice, to the national and international advocacy of the rights of Indigenous peoples, and to the community.

AM

The late Lionel Morgan - for significant service to rugby league, and to the Indigenous community.

OAM

Paul Archer - for service to rugby league as a referee
Michael Buettner - for service to community, and to sport
Phillip Driscoll - for service to sport through medical roles
Thomas Gustard - for service to rugby league as a referee
Martin Meredith - for service to rugby league as an administrator
Lawrence Raftery - for service to rugby league
Royce Simmons - for service to rugby league as a player and coach
Graeme Wynn - for service to rugby league as a player, coach and administrator.

Simmons focused on fundraising after dementia diagnosis

 

Acknowledgement of Country

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.

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