Among the vibrant celebrations at Parramatta's CommBank Stadium, Brian To'o, a notable player from the Penrith Panthers, made a surprising appearance at the Eels' presentation night.
This event is typically reserved for fans and players of the hosting team, but To'o attended to support his niece, Freedom Crichton Ropati, an emerging talent for the Parramatta Eels Women's team.
At just 18 years old, Crichton Ropati is already establishing her reputation in women's rugby league. Her accomplishments include being named the Eels' NSW Women's Premiership Player of the Year and winning the Players' Player award.
This past season, she has excelled in the NSW Women's Premiership, which serves as a stepping stone to the NRLW, and is set to make her NRLW debut against the North Queensland Cowboys.
Earlier this year, she led her team to victory in the Tarsha Gale Cup grand final, where she was also named Player of the Match, further solidifying her impact in the sport.
While To'o prepares for the Panthers' qualifying final against the Sydney Roosters this Sunday, he took a moment to cheer on his niece.
Additionally, during the presentation night, men's players Brian Kelly and Jack Williams were honored with the Ken Thornett Medal as the club's NRL Players of the Year.
Williams received multiple awards, including the Nathan Hindmarsh NRL Players' Player award and the Jack Gibson NRL Coaches award.
Other notable recognitions included Saxon Pryke as NRL Rookie of the Year and Abbi Church as the NRLW Player of the Year, who also earned the Players' Player and Blue & Gold Army NRLW awards.
Rory Owen received the NRLW Coaches award, while Jasmin Morrissey was named NRLW Rookie of the Year. Ryley Smith took home the NSW Cup Players' Player and Geoff Gerard Coaches awards.