LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Abbi Church, the standout player of the season, was named Player of the Year at the Eels' 2023 NRLW Awards Night.
The event, held at Rosehill Racecourse, saw Church not only claim the top honor but also secure the Blue & Gold Army Award as the Eels Members' Player of the Year.
Throughout the season, Church solidified her position as the team's first-choice fullback, never missing a minute of any game in the coveted no.
1 jersey.
In doing so, she joined Kennedy Cherrington as the Eels' most-capped NRLW player in history.
Church's exceptional attacking skills and defensive prowess caught the attention of Jillaroos coach Brad Donald, earning her a spot in the Prime Minister's XIII side set to play in Papua New Guinea.
Additionally, Church's teammates Cassey Tohi-Hiku, Mahalia Murphy, and Shontelle Stowers also received accolades at the NRLW Awards Night.
Tohi-Hiku, in particular, was honored by her teammates as she clinched the Players' Player Award, following a breakout season where she, too, played every minute of every match.
Like Church, Tohi-Hiku will represent the Prime Minister's XIII side.