Eight Raiders stars have been nominated for the 2026 RLPA Players' Champion awards.
Simi Sasagi, Kaeo Weekes, Joe Tapine and Zac Hosking all received nominations for this year's NRL award, while Chante Temara, Zahara Temara, Simaima Taufa and Leianne Tufuga all received nominations for the NRLW award.
Hand-picked by the RLPA’s player leaders from every NRL and NRLW club, the Contenders are four players from every team who are now eligible to receive votes from NRL and NRLW players to be crowned their competition’s best
player.
With four representatives from every team, the 68 NRL players and 48 NRLW players are now in contention for rugby league’s most prestigious individual player-voted honour, The Players’ Champion presented by Select Cards.
The individual winners of the Players’ Champion from the NRL and NRLW will be announced on Channel 9, Monday September 28.
“On behalf of the RLPA, I congratulate all 68 NRL players and 48 NRLW players who have been named as Contenders for The Players’ Champion,” said Clint Newton, CEO of the RLPA.
“To be recognised in this way is a significant honour. Every Contender has first been selected by the player leaders within their own club, reflecting the positive impact they have made on their teammates through their performances
over the season.
“The Players’ Champion carries enormous prestige because it is decided by the players themselves. Players understand better than anyone the relentless standards required to perform consistently at the elite level, the challenges that need to be overcome, and how an individual contributes to a team.
“The 2026 NRL and NRLW seasons have again demonstrated the extraordinary quality of our playing group. Across both competitions, players continue to raise the standard through their skill, toughness, professionalism and commitment to their clubs and teammates.
“The final decision now belongs to the players across the NRL and NRLW. To ultimately be voted The Players’ Champion by those you compete against every week is one of the greatest endorsements and signs of respect a player can receive.”
The RLPA is also pleased to confirm the renewal of The Players’ Awards broadcast partnership with the game’s host broadcaster, Channel 9, for the seventh consecutive year.
