The new award for the Ampol Women’s State of Origin Player of the Series is the Katrina Fanning Medal.
The award honours one of the legends of the women’s game and a 2024 Hall of Fame inductee, Katrina Fanning AO.
Previously named after fellow women’s Rugby League pioneer Nellie Doherty, the Player of the Series award has been renamed for 2026 and beyond after Doherty was last year honoured with the naming of the Nellie Doherty Shield, the prize for the NRLW Minor Premiers which was claimed for the first time by the Sydney Roosters in 2025.
The Katrina Fanning Medal will be presented by the 26-Test Jillaroos prop and former NSW captain herself following Ampol Women’s State of Origin Game Three.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said: “Katrina Fanning’s contribution to rugby league—on the field and in administration—has been significant, particularly in shaping the women’s game at representative level.
“Naming this medal in her honour recognises that impact.
“It will now be awarded each year to the standout player in the Women’s State of Origin Series.”
