2025 Academic & Excellence Awards
League Ahead is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2026 Careers & Excellence Awards, recognising the individuals who go above and beyond; balancing elite sporting careers alongside education, personal development, cultural leadership, and entrepreneurial pursuits. The awards are a testament to the incredible commitment NRL and NRLW players show to their studies, career development and making a positive impact within their communities.
The winners will be announced at the Careers & Excellence Awards ceremony on 8 December 2026.
See the full list of finalists below:
First Nations Leadership & Excellence
NRLW
Mahalia Murphy (Eels)
Nakia Davis-Welsh (Knights)
NRL
Dylan Lucas (Knights)
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins)
Pasifika/Māori Leadership & Excellence
NRLW
Harata Butler (Warriors)
Martha Mataele (Eels)
Shannon Mato (Broncos)
NRL
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins)
James Fisher-Harris (Warriors)
Tyson Frizell (Knights)
Vocational Education & Training
NRLW
Kezie Apps (Tigers)
Lily Rogan (Tigers)
Makenzie Weale (Cowboys)
NRL
Marion Seve (Storm)
Phillip Sami (Titans)
Riley Price (Warriors)
Young Achiever of the Year
Charlize Lloyd-Phillips (Cowboys)
Jethro Rinakama (Bulldogs)
Entrepreneur of the Year
NRLW
Kennedy Cherrington (Eels)
Zali Fay (Eels)
NRL
Corey Waddell (Sea Eagles)
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Warriors)
Academic Team of the Year
Alec MacDonald (Storm)
Chanel Harris-Tavita (Warriors)
Chloe Jackson (Eels)
Connor Watson (Roosters)
Elizabeth MacGregor (Bulldogs)
Jacob Preston (Bulldogs)
Jesse Colquhoun (Sharks)
Jules Kirkpatrick (Knights)
Kezie Apps (Tigers)
Madison Mulhall (Dragons)
Max Plath (Dolphins)
Sandon Smith (Knights)
Tony Sukkar (Tigers)