Joseph Tapine and Mele Hufanga have been named the 2025 New Zealand Rugby League Players of the Year for the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns.
Ryan Charles received the Wheel Kiwis Player of the Year award, while rising star Casey McLean and debutant Ivana Lauitiiti were recognised as Rookies of the Year.
Tapine was awarded the Steve Watene Memorial Medal after a stellar season as a key member of the leadership team that guided the Kiwis to their 2025 Pacific Cup title, while also captaining the Canberra Raiders.
Hufanga played a vital role in the Broncos’ Premiership-winning season and the Kiwi Ferns’ Pacific Championships campaign, earning her the Player of the Year honour.
2025 NZRL high performance award winners
- New Zealand Kiwis Player of the Year: Joseph Tapine
- New Zealand Kiwi Ferns Player of the Year: Mele Hufanga
- New Zealand Wheel Kiwis Player of the Year: Ryan Charles
- New Zealand Kiwis Rookie of the Year: Casey McLean
- New Zealand Kiwi Ferns Rookie of the Year: Ivana Lauitiiti
The 2025 Pacific Champions
NZ Kiwis Player of the Year: Joseph Tapine (Kiwi #800)
It was a standout season for Tapine in the NRL. Taking over as Captain at Canberra, he led the team to its first Minor Premiership since 1990.
He played 23 of 27 games and claimed a fourth straight Meninga Medal as Raiders’ Player of the Year, making club history. Tapine was also voted into the Rugby League Players' Association (RLPA) Players' Dream Team by his peers.
On the international stage, he impressed across all three Pacific Championship matches, averaging 140 running metres per game. He made 34 tackles against Toa Samoa, 23 against Tonga, and ran for 174 metres in the final, earning an International Rugby League Golden Boot nomination.
NZ Kiwi Ferns Player of the Year: Mele Hufanga (Kiwi Fern #166)
Mele Hufanga Try
Hufanga was once again a cornerstone for the Broncos in 2025, scoring eight tries, producing three try assists, and registering 15 line breaks across the season.
Her campaign was highlighted by a stunning game-winning try in the Grand Final against the Roosters.
Returning for her fourth international season with the Kiwi Ferns, she maintained her try-scoring form with another game-winner against Fetu Samoa off the back of a 90-metre line break.
Across the final two Tests against the Jillaroos, Hufanga ran for 217 metres and added two tackle breaks, one line break, and one line break assist, reinforcing her reputation as a consistent game-breaker.
NZ Kiwis Rookie of the Year: Casey McLean (Kiwi #841)
Casey McLean Try
The 19-year-old Casey McLean played one game for the Kiwis in the 2024 Pacific Championships, a memorable debut where he scored four tries against Papua New Guinea, in what would be the first glimpse of his talents on the international stage.
He enjoyed a breakout 2025 season with Penrith playing 23 matches, finishing with 16 tries and 11 try assists.
McLean was a standout in his second campaign for the Kiwis, scoring twice and making three line breaks in Round 1 against Toa Samoa, adding a try and three line breaks against Tonga, and crossing again in the Grand Final against Toa Samoa.
The Rookie of the Year has now scored in every Test he has played in, totalling eight tries from four appearances, marking him as an exciting long-term prospect for both the Panthers and the Kiwis.
NZ Kiwi Ferns Rookie of the Year: Ivana Lauitiiti (Kiwi Fern #188)
One of Aotearoa’s most promising young prospects in recent years, Ivana Lauitiiti enjoyed an unforgettable 2025 rookie season, making both her NRLW and international debuts.
Her strong performances earned her a regular bench role for the Warriors, finishing with six appearances, two tries, 36 tackle breaks, 105 average running metres, and 71 tackles.
A bone-rattling hit in Round 11 earned her the NRLW Dally M Tackle of the Year, and she was named Warriors Rookie of the Year.
Her stellar club form secured selection in the Kiwi Ferns squad, appearing in all three Tests as an interchange prop.
She made her international debut in the Round 1 comeback win over Fetu Samoa.
Across her maiden campaign as the youngest in the squad, Ivana ran for 131 metres, making 32 tackles, and delivering six offloads, a solid start to the Rookie of the Year’s international career.
NZ Wheel Kiwis Player of the Year: Ryan Charles (Wheel Kiwi #1)
Ryan Charles was named Wheel Kiwis Player of the Year after exemplifying excellence both on and off the court.
A respected leader for the Wheel Kiwis, he guided his teammates with professionalism, humility, and a strong sense of whanaungatanga.
At the inaugural NRL Wheelchair National Championships, he was a standout performer, converting almost every kick and adding several tries.
His performances combined accurate kicking, creative playmaking, and strong game awareness.
Off the court, Ryan serves as a mentor and role model, promoting wellbeing, hauora, and positive team culture through his holistic approach to leadership. His commitment, leadership, and passion for wheelchair rugby league make him a truly deserving recipient of this award.
Shortlist: Jayson Hooker, Mitch Stone.
