Vote now for your 2026 Veronica White Medal winner

Find out more about the Veronica White Medal - Woman of the Year nominees and the fantastic work they do below.

Veronica White Medal 2026 nominees

Brisbane Broncos – Ali Brigginshaw – Junior Club: Norths Tigers Ipswich

Ali Brigginshaw's commitment to community is defined by her genuine desire to create opportunities for others. Alongside her on-field leadership, Ali actively supports the Brisbane Broncos' community programs, including Beyond the Broncos, school visits, grassroots rugby league and regional Queensland initiatives. Passionate about inspiring young people, particularly girls, Ali encourages confidence, education and participation in sport. She leads with humility, authenticity and generosity, building lasting connections wherever she goes. Her dedication to supporting communities and advancing women's rugby league embodies the spirit of the Veronica White Medal.

Canberra Raiders – Simaima Taufa – Junior Club: Mounties Junior Rugby League

Simaima Taufa's community impact reflects a lifelong commitment to service, leadership and inclusion. She has developed more than 400 emerging leaders and supported over 625 Aboriginal children and young people through mentoring and community programs. A passionate advocate for Voice Against Violence and State of Mind, she also mentors with PCYC NSW's Fit for Life program. Simaima volunteers regularly with Uniting Care Canberra, Winnunga and local youth centres, serves as a Ronald McDonald House Charities ACT & Southern NSW Ambassador, and contributes to international development initiatives in Papua New Guinea.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs – Olivia Vaalele – Junior Club: St Mary’s Saints

Olivia has gone beyond her playing commitments to co-design an inclusive junior rugby league competition for children with intellectual disability. Volunteering her time, she helped create a program that embeds participants within existing club structures, with each of the 13 junior league teams adopting an inclusion team. Launching in 2027, the initiative will conclude with a "come and try" event that welcomes children and their families into the rugby league community. Olivia's hands-on leadership and commitment to inclusion ensure every child has the opportunity to belong and participate.

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks – Jada Taylor – Junior Club: Dungowan Cowboys

Proud Gamilaroi woman Jada Taylor consistently goes beyond her role as the Sharks Have Heart Indigenous Programs Coordinator to champion inclusion, wellbeing and participation. She leads the Deadly Choices program while volunteering at grassroots coaching clinics, junior club events and female participation initiatives. A passionate advocate for people with disability, Jada supports SCORE Sharks, Mega Jaws and Mega Waves programs, and is a leading ambassador for the One Heart anti-racism initiative and Goanna Academy's Stick With It campaign. Through school visits and community events, she creates lasting social impact and inspires stronger, more inclusive communities.

Gold Coast Titans – Jaime Chapman – Junior Club: Kurnell Stingrays

Jaime Chapman’s impact extends far beyond her achievements on the field. Deeply committed to supporting others, she has provided life-changing support to a young junior rugby league player in crisis, helping connect her with professional services and continuing to offer encouragement throughout her recovery. Jaime is equally passionate about growing the women’s game, regularly volunteering at junior clinics to inspire young girls. She also actively supports Leagueability, Indigenous and cultural programs, school visits and community events, using her platform with warmth, humility and authenticity to create lasting positive impact.

Newcastle Knights – Simone Karpani – Junior Club: South Adelaide Bulldogs

Simone Karpani consistently goes above and beyond her NRLW commitments to make a meaningful community impact. Alongside Simone’s full-time work, she volunteers as a coach with the Waratah Mayfield Cheetahs women's team, helping develop grassroots players. Simone also leads INSPIRE presentations across regional New South Wales, supporting the Knights' community and pathways programs. She regularly visits Ronald McDonald House, participates in fundraising initiatives, mentors more than 200 girls through development programs, and delivers respect and wellbeing messages in schools. Her dedication reflects a genuine commitment to inspiring and supporting communities.

North Queensland Cowboys – Abigail Roache – Junior Club: Richmond Rovers

Abigail Roache consistently goes above and beyond her commitments as a North Queensland Cowboys NRLW player to make a positive impact in the community. A recipient of the Cowboys Way Award, she embodies the club's values of humility, respect, leadership and service. Abigail generously supports school visits, grassroots rugby league programs, community events and club appearances, creating meaningful connections with young people and fans. Her resilience, positivity and strong family values make her an inspiring role model who encourages participation, confidence and aspiration, leaving a lasting impact well beyond the football field.

Parramatta Eels – Martha Matalele – Junior Club: Guildford Owls Junior Rugby League Football Club

Martha Mataele exemplifies leadership and community impact both on and off the field. Since joining the Parramatta Eels, she has prioritised supporting others through her dedication to Youth in Union and her work empowering Pasifika youth. Drawing on her experience as a youth worker, Martha has travelled to Tonga to deliver academy camps using rugby league as a vehicle for connection and opportunity, with plans to expand this work through an all-female camp. She also fosters belonging within her team through leadership and regular bible study sessions, demonstrating compassion, faith and genuine care for others.

St George Illawarra Dragons – Ella Koster – Junior Club: Albion Park Oak Flats Eagles

Ella consistently goes above and beyond her NRLW and professional commitments to create meaningful community impact. A proud Gweagal and Wiradjuri woman, she is passionate about promoting Indigenous culture, supporting young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and inspiring others to embrace their identity and potential. Through school visits, junior rugby league clinics, cultural events and community programs, Ella shares messages of health, wellbeing, resilience and respect. Her authenticity, kindness and dedication to grassroots participation make her a valued role model, encouraging young people and future female athletes to pursue their goals.

Sydney Roosters – Millie Elliott – Junior Club: Bermagui-Cobargo Eels Rugby League Football Club

Despite returning to elite rugby league after becoming a mother, Millie Elliott continues to set a benchmark for community leadership. Through the Trainer Group Foundation, she delivers free disability and wellbeing programs, creating inclusive opportunities for people of all abilities through workshops, five-week programs and regional outreach. As a Goanna Academy Stick With It ambassador, Millie supports mental health initiatives and community awareness. She also contributes through Sydney Roosters programs, Sydney Children's Hospital visits, Physical Disability Rugby League initiatives and youth development. Her generosity, authenticity and leadership continue to create lasting impact beyond the field.

Warriors – Gayle Broughton – Junior Club: Hawera Hawks Rugby League Club

Gayle Broughton consistently goes beyond her commitments as a professional athlete to make a lasting difference in communities across Aotearoa (New Zealand). Through the Warriors Community Foundation, she facilitates the Tupu Māia girls' wellbeing programme, empowering young wāhine (girls) through leadership, confidence and resilience. Gayle also delivers leadership workshops and regional community roadshows, inspiring rangatahi (young people) to embrace teamwork and healthy lifestyles. As a League in Libraries ambassador, she promotes literacy and education through reading and storytelling. Her authenticity, generosity and genuine care make her a trusted role model with lasting community impact.

Wests Tigers – Sarah Togatuki – Junior Club: St Mary’s Rugby League

Sarah consistently goes above and beyond her commitments as an elite athlete, using her platform to create meaningful community impact. Through Wests Tigers community programs and her own initiatives, she supports young people, schools, grassroots sporting groups and community events, promoting confidence, resilience and healthy lifestyles. Passionate about giving back to Pasifika and wider communities, Sarah regularly volunteers her time to mentor young athletes and support families. Her humility, authenticity and ability to connect with people from all backgrounds make her a respected role model who inspires participation, opportunity and positive change beyond the football field.