LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) has revealed the finalists for the 2025 Rookie of the Year award, determined by player votes.
Mark Nawaqanitawase leads the list of nominees, although he is not eligible for the Dally M Rookie of the Year due to his involvement with Australia in both rugby union and rugby sevens. Nonetheless, he has secured the 2025 Ken Irvine Medal.
Joining Nawaqanitawase among the finalists are his teammate Robert Toia, Leka Halasima from the New Zealand Warriors, Isaiah Iongi who plays fullback for the Parramatta Eels, and Savelio Tamale of the Canberra Raiders.
The previous winners of this award include Lachlan Galvin and Jahream Bula from the Wests Tigers, as well as State of Origin players Harry Grant, Jeremiah Nanai, and Reece Walsh.
The winner will be announced on 100% Footy on Monday evening.
2024 Rory Owen & Lachlan Galvin
2023 Annessa Biddle & Jahream Bula
2022 Gayle Broughton & Jeremiah Nanai
2021 Destiny Brill & Reece Walsh
2020 Harry Grant
2019 Payne Haas
2018 Victor Radley
2017 Nick Cotric
2016 Cody Walker
2015 Cameron Munster
2014 Luke Brooks
2013 George Burgess
2012 Josh Mansour & Adam Reynolds
2011 Daly Cherry-Evans
2010 Trent Hodkinson
2009 Josh Dugan
2008 David Williams
2007 Michael Jennings
2006 Darius Boyd
2005 Ben Smith
2004 Sonny-Bill Williams