Rookie of the Year eligibility tweaked as race for award heats up

The NRL has updated the eligibility criteria for the Rookie of the Year award as the competition intensifies in the final weeks of the season.

Players can qualify for the award during their first three years of professional football. However, once they reach five first-grade games, they become ineligible in future seasons.

Harry Grant won the award in 2020, which was his third year in the NRL, after playing one match each in 2018 and 2019.

Previously, the eligibility rules only considered games played in the NRL or English Super League. The criteria have now been broadened to encompass any sporting code or league recognized by the NRL, including rugby union and rugby sevens.

This change means that players like Mark Nawaqanitawase will be ineligible for the Rookie of the Year due to his prior involvement in rugby union.

Jack Bostock is the reigning titleholder, having received the award at last year's Dally M Medal ceremony.

Over the years, numerous high-profile athletes have received this accolade, including Sam Walker in 2021, Payne Haas in 2019, Daly Cherry-Evans in 2011, and Steve Menzies in 1994.