2025 Nominees /

Fan voting is now closed!

 

Romy Teitzel- Brisbane Broncos

Romy is a key contributor of the Brisbane Broncos Community and Social Impact Team. In her role, she helps develop workshop content and then deliver sessions on a range of topics to our First Nations Beyond the Broncos Program participants across 53 schools and more than 3,000 young women and 500 young men. This includes topics such as goal setting, NAIDOC week, civil participation, and leadership, amongst others. She also delivers Resilience Project workshops relating to identifying, preventing, and managing mental health-related issues.

Zahara Temara- Canberra Raiders

Zahara Temara is a vital member of the Canberra Raiders NRLW program and a dedicated community leader. Beyond her on-field excellence, Zahara passionately supports grassroots rugby league, inclusion initiatives, and charitable causes. She notably champions Karinya House’s “Walk for Hope” campaign, advocating for women affected by domestic violence. Known for her genuine engagement, Zahara offers quiet support to teammates and community members alike. Balancing elite sport and extensive community work, she exemplifies discipline, compassion, and leadership, making a lasting impact within the Raiders and broader community.

Rhiannon Byers- Cronulla Sharks

Rhiannon Byers stands out as a dedicated community leader and elite athlete. As a proud Wiradjuri woman and Cronulla Sharks NRLW player, she mentors hundreds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth through Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation, promoting cultural connection and personal growth. She spearheads major wellbeing events, advocates for mental health with openness and courage, and actively supports grassroots female rugby league development. Overcoming serious injuries, Rhiannon consistently demonstrates resilience, discipline, and inclusivity, forging stronger communities and inspiring future generations both on and off the field.

Jaime Chapman- Gold Coast Titans

Jaime is a driving force behind the Titans’ community engagement. A proud Kamilaroi woman, she has achieved a 30% increase in girls’ rugby league participation, mentored young Indigenous players into professional pathways, and championed inclusion for people of all abilities. Despite injury, personal hardship, and the demands of elite sport, she remains a constant presence in schools, hospitals, remote communities, and cultural events. Resilient, authentic, and compassionate, Jaime exemplifies leadership through consistent action and genuine connection, creating lasting change both within the game and beyond.

Laishon Albert- Jones – New Zealand Warriors

Laishon Albert-Jones is a dedicated community leader as well as a professional athlete, whose impact reaches far beyond the rugby league field. Through her work with the Warriors Community Foundation, she has engaged thousands of tamariki and rangatahi across Aotearoa, inspiring confidence, resilience, and wellbeing. Whether leading activities at festivals, delivering Tupu Maia workshops, or connecting one-on-one at the Sky Roadshow, Laishon’s approach is authentic, inclusive, and culturally respectful. Balancing the demands of elite sport with tireless community service, she consistently goes above and beyond, leaving lasting impacts on young people and reinforcing the power of visibility, representation, and genuine care.

Kayla Romaniuk- Newcastle Knights

Kayla Romaniuk demonstrates unwavering dedication as a community ambassador for the Newcastle Knights. Beyond her on-field achievements, she consistently devotes personal time to support vulnerable families at Ronald McDonald House, forging meaningful, lasting connections. Kayla’s leadership extends to inspiring young athletes through grassroots programs and inclusive initiatives like Girls Day Out Newcastle. Her genuine compassion, reliability, and humility set her apart, creating profound emotional support for those facing adversity and fostering positive growth within the Hunter region. Kayla is a true role model, embodying the highest values of rugby league.

Jakiya Whitfeld- North Queensland Cowboys

Jakiya Whitfeld exemplifies the values of the North Queensland Cowboys through her exceptional leadership, resilience, and service. Balancing elite sport with her role as a youth co-responder, she has made a measurable impact in youth engagement, mental health advocacy, and player mentorship. Her work with the Starlight Foundation, Goanna Academy, and in remote communities reflects an unwavering commitment to creating lasting change. Jakiya’s dedication, integrity, and compassion make her an outstanding role model and ambassador for the game.

Elsie Albert- Parramatta Eels

Elsie Albert is an exceptional ambassador for the Parramatta Eels, recognised for her sustained and impactful contribution to youth development, diversity, and community engagement. A proud Papuan, she leads with authenticity, mentoring young athletes, promoting cultural pride, and inspiring participation at all levels. Elsie is a constant presence in schools, grassroots programs, and cultural events, embodying the values of leadership, service, and inclusion.

Keele Browne- St George Illawarra Dragons

Keele actively supports community outreach and youth development, focusing on regional areas like the South Coast. She delivers health and wellbeing programs to schools, assists grassroots clubs, and runs rugby league clinics for girls. Managing her NRLW career, coaching responsibilities, and university studies, Keele consistently mentors young athletes and promotes pathways for females in the sport. Her journey from a small town to elite rugby league inspires many, showing that determination can overcome distance and obstacles. Keele’s ongoing involvement helps build inclusivity, opportunity, and growth within her community and the wider rugby league world.

Olivia Kernick- Sydney Roosters

Proud Wiradjuri woman Olivia Kernick is the reigning Dally M Medal and premiership winner whose passion extends far beyond the field. As the Sydney Roosters’ Inclusion and Cultural Programs Officer, she led the creation of the Club’s first NRLW Indigenous Jersey, honouring the legacy of Indigenous players. Olivia champions Indigenous health as a Deadly Choices ambassador, has supported and facilitated cultural workshops with partner KARI, volunteers with Na Joomelah to promote community anti-smoking campaigns, and supports inclusive initiatives like the Game Changers Disability program.

Sarah Togatuki- West Tigers

Sarah plays a vital role in the Wests Tigers’ community work, going well beyond her NRLW duties. She champions youth programs throughout Sydney’s Inner West and Southwest, helping shape the new Empower initiative for younger students. Through her Girls Academy, she provides aspiring female athletes with expert coaching and support, building confidence and a sense of belonging. Despite balancing demanding sporting and personal commitments, Sarah consistently offers mentorship and encouragement. Her ongoing efforts in Mount Druitt create meaningful pathways and inspire young people. Sarah’s genuine dedication enriches lives and strengthens community ties across the region.