Bulldogs Captain Stephen Crichton has taken home the Club’s highest honour, the Dr George Peponis Medal.
2025 Dr George Peponis Player of the Year & 2025 NRL Players’ Player of the Year: Stephen Crichton
Bulldogs Captain Stephen Crichton has been crowned as the 2025 Dr George Peponis Player of the Year in just his second season at the Club and has also been named as the NRL Players’ Player of the Year.
A natural leader, Crichton proved to be a driving force both on and off the field in the famous Blue and White, propelling the Bulldogs to six consecutive victories to start the 2025 season – equalling a Club record for most wins to start a season – before guiding his side to a top four finish for the first time since 2012.
The 24-year-old featured in 20 matches for the Bulldogs throughout the regular season, scoring three tries and setting up a further twelve. He also averaged over 100 running metres per game and came up with a number of big defensive plays, proving to be a constant threat on both sides of the ball.
The Samoan International also played in all three matches in the 2025 State of Origin Series, showcasing his talent and influence on the representative stage, scoring two tries for the NSW Blues.
A popular figure at Belmore, Crichton was voted by his peers as the NRL Players’ Player of the Year for his team-first ethos and influence on the playing squad.
“You always want to be recognised especially by your own teammates, and you want to be the guy that players want to play for,” he said.
“I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to represent both the Club and the boys as well.
“There’s a lot that goes into a whole season and to be recognised for that as well is very special.
“The only thing to tick off now is a Grand Final.”
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2025 NRL Community Award: Josh Curran
Forward Josh Curran has taken home the 2025 NRL Community Award for his standout engagement as a community leader both within and beyond his Club commitments.
Curran’s consistent dedication, humility and drive have made a lasting impact across the Club and state, particularly through his unwavering pride in his Indigenous heritage and sense of responsibility.
This included his active involvement in the Bulldogs School Blitz, Deadly Choices, RSPCA NSW and Young Academics. Curran also initiated outreach in programs with NSW Police and NASCA (National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy) visiting schools and juvenile centres to support youth, particularly Indigenous Australians.
His dedication and involvement made him an obvious choice as the Club’s nominee for the NRL’s Ken Stephen Medal – Man of the Year after leading with heart and purpose and embodying the Club’s values of inclusion, unity, positivity and discipline within the community.
“I’m very grateful. It’s a privilege and something I hold close to my heart,” Curran said.
“Trying to help guide the next generation is something I’m passionate about, and if I work with 50 kids and help five of them break the chain, they can then guide the next generation going forward.”
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2025 Carroll & O’Dea Members NRL Player of the Year: Connor Tracey
The results are in – Bulldogs Members have voted for Connor Tracey as their Carroll & O’Dea Members NRL Player of the Year.
The 28-year-old fullback played all but two matches across the regular season, scoring four tries, setting up a further ten and averaging a whopping 199 running metres per game. His durability was on show, playing 80 minutes in each of his appearances.
Members certainly took note of Tracey’s high work ethic both in attack and defence, exemplified by his competition-topping 2014 kick return metres – over 200 more than his closest rival – and numerous try-saving efforts, further establishing him a fan-favourite.
Arguably his best performance came in Round 21 against the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles at Allianz Stadium, which saw him run a marathon 307 metres and set up a try in the 42-4 victory.
“It’s pretty cool to get this award, I feel like the Members are the best part of this Club,” said Tracey.
“I certainly felt it when I came to the Club last year. They’re the best Members in the competition, they’ve really gotten behind us and it’s a real honour to be recognised by them.”
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2025 Steve Mortimer Rookie of the Year: Jethro Rinakama
Teenage sensation Jethro Rinakama has taken out the 2025 Steve Mortimer Rookie of the Year Award.
After starring in the Club’s NSW Cup side, which saw him take home the Terry Lamb Player of the Year Award, Rinakama capped off a whirlwind 2025 season for the Bankstown and Chester Hill junior.
The 19-year-old played with maturity beyond his years in first grade, getting his first taste during the 2025 Pre-Season Challenge. He went on to make his NRL debut in Round 19 and celebrated it with his first four-pointer in the victory over the Cowboys.
Then just one week, later Rinakama found himself touching down for the match-winning try against the Dragons.
In total, Rinakama scored three tries in his four appearances throughout the 2025 regular season, with many more set to come in the future after re-signing until the end of the 2027 season in February.
“It’s obviously a massive privilege,” Rinakama said.
“I was happy to just make my debut but to get Rookie of the Year, I’m really grateful for the coaching staff and my family as well.”
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2025 NRL Coaches Award: Max King
Hard-working front rower Max King has taken out the 2025 NRL Coaches Award for 2025.
Proving his durability and team-first ethos, King played 21 matches for the Bulldogs throughout the 2025 regular season, averaging 135 metres with an impressive 96.5% tackle efficiency at an average of 33 tackles per game.
In his fourth year at the Club – arguably his most dominant – King led the Bulldogs’ engine room from the front, making all of his appearances as a starter.
His two memorable tries came against the Rabbitohs on Good Friday – touching down for the first time in Blue and White and ending a seven-year drought, before he found the line just weeks later in the thrilling comeback against the Raiders in Canberra.
The 28-year-old also added another string to his bow when he was selected to make his State of Origin debut for New South Wales in Game I of the 2025 series, where he went on to play in all three matches.
“We have a great squad so to be on the stage collecting any award is a massive honour,” King explained.
“The words Ciro (Cameron Ciraldo) spoke about how we came together as a team and for him to mention my contribution was awesome to hear and to see first-hand how far we’ve come.
“To be part of that, I feel blessed, and to be recognised, even more so.”
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