{"id":775882,"date":"2026-07-03T06:08:39","date_gmt":"2026-07-03T06:08:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/775882\/"},"modified":"2026-07-03T06:08:39","modified_gmt":"2026-07-03T06:08:39","slug":"ken-stephen-medal-nrl-community-awards-season-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/775882\/","title":{"rendered":"Ken Stephen Medal, NRL Community Awards, season 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

Find out more about the 2026 Ken Stephen Medal nominees and the work they do below.<\/p>\n

Ken Stephen Medal 2026 nominees<\/p>\n

Brisbane Broncos \u2013 Blake Mozer \u2013 Junior Club: Runaway Bay Seagulls\u00a0<\/p>\n


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Blake Mozer exemplifies the values of the Ken Stephen Medal through his humility, leadership and genuine commitment to helping others. Since making his NRL debut, he has become a key contributor to the Brisbane Broncos\u2019 community programs, consistently dedicating his time to initiatives that make a meaningful difference.<\/p>\n

For the past two years, Blake has volunteered for fortnightly children\u2019s hospital visits, building authentic connections with patients, families and hospital staff through his compassion and care. He regularly goes beyond expectations by encouraging teammates to participate in community engagements and mentoring younger players on the importance of giving back.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Blake\u2019s impact is reflected in the lasting relationships he has formed, reconnecting with many families over time and positively influencing hundreds through his volunteer work. He has also proudly represented the Broncos at Parliament House, helping promote the Beyond the Broncos program and demonstrating the positive role rugby league can play in communities beyond the field.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Canberra Raiders \u2013 Xavier Savage \u2013 Junior Club: Cairns Brothers\u00a0<\/p>\n


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Xavier Savage serves as an ambassador for Raw Potential, a charity supporting youth homelessness, and is actively involved in initiatives that assist young people facing trauma, family and domestic violence, homelessness, mental health challenges, and substance-related issues. Alongside his football and club commitments, he regularly volunteers his time to engage directly with youth through mentoring days and community events.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Xavier participates in Raw Potentials\u2019 programs including listening sessions, Q&A discussions and motivational talks, where he shares personal experiences to promote resilience, discipline and hope. His involvement focuses on ongoing, hands-on engagement rather than one-off appearances, contributing to stronger connections between young people and support services.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Through his approachable manner and lived experience as a young professional athlete, Xavier provides practical guidance and encouragement, helping young people articulate goals, build self-worth and explore positive futures. His consistent commitment to outreach reflects a genuine desire to create meaningful and lasting impact in the community.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs \u2013 Viliame Kikau \u2013 Junior Club: Marist Brother High School Fiji\u00a0<\/p>\n


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Viliami Kikau consistently goes above and beyond his commitments as a professional rugby league player through his dedication to supporting communities across Fiji. Through the Kikau Academy, he invests significant time and resources into creating opportunities for young Fijians through sport, mentorship and personal development.\u00a0<\/p>\n

His work extends beyond rugby league, helping young people build confidence, resilience, leadership skills and aspirations for the future. In 2025, Viliami led a Christmas initiative in partnership with Australian toy brand Kidstuff, delivering toys to 200 children across Fiji. The program brought joy to families during the festive season while reinforcing the Academy\u2019s broader mission of uplifting local communities.\u00a0<\/p>\n

His ongoing commitment to giving back to his homeland reflects a strong sense of leadership and responsibility. By using his profile to create opportunities and inspire the next generation, he continues to make a lasting and meaningful impact across Fiji.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks \u2013 Thomas Hazelton \u2013 Junior Club: Goulburn Junior Stockmen\u00a0<\/p>\n


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Tom Hazelton consistently goes above and beyond his responsibilities as an NRL player through his dedication to community engagement, mental health advocacy and grassroots rugby league. As a passionate ambassador for Find Ya Feet, he uses his platform to promote open conversations around mental health, regularly volunteering his time to speak with Sharks pathways players and teammates about the importance of seeking support.\u00a0<\/p>\n

A committed participant in Sharks Have Heart initiatives, Tom is often among the first to volunteer for community programs, connecting with schools, junior clubs and vulnerable members of the community. He also supports programs for people with disability, including SCORE Sharks and Mega Jaws.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Proud of his regional roots, Tom maintains strong ties to his hometown of Goulburn and the Goulburn Stockmen, inspiring young players through his leadership and humility. His involvement in the club\u2019s Heartfelt Moments program further reflects his compassion and commitment to supporting others.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Dolphins \u2013 Jack Bostock \u2013 Junior Club: Shellharbour Stingrays\u00a0<\/p>\n


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Jack has consistently gone above and beyond his on-field and club commitments, demonstrating leadership and compassion within the community. Following Jacek \u201cYak\u201d McLaurin\u2019s catastrophic spinal injury, he played a key role in rallying support by using his social media presence to raise awareness, promote fundraising efforts, and keep the community engaged. He has remained actively involved in supporting ongoing initiatives and encouraging broader participation.\u00a0<\/p>\n

At the club level, Jack leads community appearances and prioritises meaningful engagement with fans, particularly those attending training sessions. His approachable nature and willingness to connect leave a strong impression on those he meets. Prior to his NRL career, he worked as a support worker, reflecting his long-standing commitment to helping others. These experiences continue to shape his approach as a positive role model within both the club and the wider community.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Gold Coast Titans \u2013 Moeaki Fotuaika \u2013 Junior Club: Greenbank Raiders\u00a0<\/p>\n


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Moeaki Fotuaika has consistently demonstrated an outstanding commitment to community service throughout his career, using his platform to make a positive impact both within and beyond rugby league. A long-serving member of the Gold Coast Titans, Moeaki has dedicated more than a decade to the club and has become a respected leader on and off the field.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Across grassroots rugby league, school programs, inclusion initiatives, cultural events and community appearances, he regularly volunteers his time and approaches every engagement with humility, authenticity and genuine care. Highly regarded within the Pasifika community, Moeaki is passionate about mentoring young people and has established a mentoring program at his former school to support and guide students.\u00a0<\/p>\n

His commitment to youth development extends beyond his community work, with Moeaki currently completing a youth work course. This further reflects his dedication to supporting young people and creating a lasting impact that reaches far beyond the game.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles \u2013 Jamal Fogarty \u2013 Junior Club: Beaudesert Kingfishers\u00a0<\/p>\n


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Jamal consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting others through his generosity, compassion and willingness to give his time beyond his football commitments. His impact is reflected in the meaningful connections he builds with community members and families facing difficult circumstances.\u00a0<\/p>\n

After learning of a young Sea Eagles fan, Cam, who was battling DIPG, Jamal personally visited him in hospital alongside club representatives, spending valuable time with Cam and his family. He later helped create special game-day memories by welcoming the family to a Sea Eagles match and has remained in regular contact, providing ongoing support and encouragement.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Jamal also played an important role in the club\u2019s Multicultural Evening, proudly sharing and celebrating his Indigenous culture with players and staff. At community clinics, he is known for taking extra time to engage with fans, ensuring everyone feels valued. His commitment to making a difference extends to charitable initiatives, where he consistently goes above and beyond to create meaningful experiences for others.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Melbourne Storm \u2013 Ativalu Lisati \u2013 Junior Club: Glenora Bears\u00a0<\/p>\n


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Ativalu Lisati consistently goes\u00a0above and beyond\u00a0his responsibilities as a Melbourne Storm player by dedicating significant personal time to community and charity initiatives that create lasting impact. A proud Samoan representative, he plays a leading role in the Storm Waka program, mentoring M\u0101ori and Pasifika youth through cultural connection, wellbeing\u00a0support\u00a0and life guidance.<\/p>\n

Beyond club commitments,\u00a0Ativalu\u00a0has developed strong connections with organisations such as Giant Steps, where he volunteers his time supporting children with autism and\u00a0assisting\u00a0with fundraising initiatives. He is also actively involved with Melbourne 614 and The Salvation Army, contributing to efforts supporting people experiencing homelessness through practical service and compassion.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Newcastle Knights \u2013 Phoenix Crossland \u2013 Junior Club: Erina Eagles<\/p>\n


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Phoenix Crossland has been one of the Newcastle Knights\u2019 most dedicated community contributors this season. A leader in the School BLITZ and Knights on Tour programs, he has generously given his time to school visits and grassroots rugby league communities across the region, building meaningful connections with fans and young people.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Beyond club initiatives, Phoenix has made several personal visits to the children\u2019s hospital, supporting children and families during difficult times.<\/p>\n

He has also invested in the next generation of Knights players by attending Pathways training sessions and presenting awards at the Pathways presentation evening.<\/p>\n

Phoenix\u2019s impact in the community continues to grow each year, reflecting his genuine commitment to the Hunter region and the people who call it home.\u00a0<\/p>\n

North Queensland Cowboys \u2013 Murray Taulagi \u2013 Junior Club: Burdekin Roosters\u00a0<\/p>\n


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Murray Taulagi exemplifies the values of community service through his genuine commitment to supporting others and creating positive change. A long-time supporter of the Cowboys in Capes program, Murray has consistently dedicated his time to connecting with young people facing challenges across the region, bringing empathy, encouragement and positivity to every interaction.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Demonstrating initiative beyond his regular commitments, Murray has actively sought additional opportunities to give back, including visiting patients at the local hospital on Christmas Day. His authentic approach and willingness to engage meaningfully with those in need have left a lasting impact on countless individuals and families.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Murray\u2019s actions reflect a strong understanding of the influence he holds as an NRL player and a genuine desire to use that platform to benefit his community. His humility, leadership and dedication to helping others make him a respected role model both on and off the field.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Parramatta Eels \u2013 Josh Addo Carr \u2013 Junior Club: Doonside Junior Rugby League\u00a0<\/p>\n


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Josh Addo-Carr consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to community service, dedicating his time, resources and leadership to supporting Indigenous and local communities. Through JAC Academy, he regularly visits remote communities and schools across locations including Redfern, Yarrabah, Palm Island, Townsville and Cairns, promoting education, wellbeing and youth development.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Josh actively supports organisations such as Tribal Warrior and Redfern Youth Connect, contributes to improving access to fresh food in Indigenous communities, and helps create employment pathways through NDIGI GROUP. Through LET\u2019S TROT, he supports grassroots sporting teams and Indigenous-owned businesses, while his Fox Development Squad provides mentorship and development opportunities for young people through sport and life skills.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Beyond these initiatives, Josh frequently visits sick children, donates merchandise, records personalised messages and volunteers his time to inspire and support others. His ongoing dedication to creating positive outcomes reflects a genuine commitment to making a lasting difference in the lives of those around him.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Penrith Panthers \u2013 Mitch Kenny \u2013 Junior Club: Windsor Wolves<\/p>\n


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Mitch has played a vital role in strengthening the Club\u2019s engagement with the local hospital community. His initiative has helped increase the Club\u2019s visits from once a year to three annually. At a recent visit, he organised for more than 20 NRL players to attend and spend meaningful time with patients across multiple areas of the hospital, including both young and older patients.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Mitch has also been involved in Panthers Foundation education programs and spoke at the Foundation Gala Dinner in 2025, sharing his appreciation for the community and the importance of giving back. His contributions reflect a strong commitment to expanding the Club\u2019s community impact and fostering meaningful connections beyond the field.\u00a0<\/p>\n

South Sydney Rabbitohs – Campbell Graham \u2013 Junior Club: Maroubra Lions\u00a0<\/p>\n


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Campbell Graham is recognised not only as one of the South Sydney Rabbitohs\u2019 most dynamic players, but also as a dedicated community leader. An active contributor to Souths Cares programs, he regularly participates in school engagement visits, delivering workshops focused on healthy relationships and wellbeing as part of an initiative that reaches more than 25,000 students across Sydney each year.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Beyond his commitments with the Rabbitohs, Campbell has built a strong and ongoing relationship with the St Vincent de Paul Society. He regularly volunteers with the Vinnies Vans, helping provide food and support to people experiencing homelessness across Sydney. His sustained commitment to serving others reflects his generosity, leadership and character, making him a respected role model within the club and the broader community.\u00a0<\/p>\n

St George Illawarra Dragons \u2013 Dylan Egan \u2013 Junior Club: Gerringong Lions\u00a0<\/p>\n


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Dylan Egan, a proud product of the Gerringong Lions and current member of the St George Illawarra Dragons, has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to community and charity work throughout his early NRL career. Since making his debut in 2025, he has embodied the values of the Dragons and the wider Dragons Community, focusing on positively impacting people across the region.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Dylan is actively involved in school visits and assemblies, where he regularly engages with students through Q&A sessions and one-on-one interactions, leaving a lasting impression through his sincerity and energy. His passion for grassroots engagement is further reflected in his involvement in programs such as \u201cThe Best You Can Be,\u201d Junior League Respect sessions, and his support of the St Vincent de Paul Society through the Vinnies Van initiative.\u00a0<\/p>\n

His willingness to contribute to community programs and charitable causes reflects a strong understanding of the role athletes play in creating positive social impact, and he continues to build meaningful relationships within the community as his career progresses.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Sydney Roosters \u2013 James Tedesco \u2013 Junior Club: Camden Rams\u00a0<\/p>\n


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James Tedesco has consistently used his profile to make a meaningful impact beyond rugby league, dedicating his time and influence to charitable and community initiatives. As captain of the Sydney Roosters, he leads with humility, empathy and authenticity, setting a strong example both on and off the field.\u00a0<\/p>\n

A long-time supporter of the Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation, James has helped raise vital funds for the James Tedesco Outreach Program, supporting children with cancer and their families. He also serves as an ambassador for Greyhounds As Pets NSW, promoting greyhound rehoming and encouraging adoption, fostering, volunteering and community support.\u00a0<\/p>\n

In addition, James has played a significant leadership role in community initiatives across Bondi, helping bring people together and provide support following the tragic events of December 2024. His commitment to service and community wellbeing has made a lasting impact well beyond the game.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Warriors \u2013 Erin Clark \u2013 Junior Club: Manurewa Marlins\u00a0<\/p>\n


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Erin Clark has consistently gone above and beyond his on-field and club commitments through his dedication to community engagement and positive social impact. He regularly volunteers his time to visit children and families at Starship Hospital, offering encouragement and support during difficult times.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Erin is also actively involved in grassroots rugby league, attending local club visits and mentoring young players through connection and guidance. Through his ongoing support of the Warriors Community Foundation, he contributes to school visits and wellbeing initiatives, including the League in Libraries \u2013 R\u012bki i ng\u0101 Whare Pukapuka programme, which promotes literacy, confidence and positive life habits among tamariki.\u00a0<\/p>\n

His humility, consistency and willingness to give back have established him as a respected role model who creates meaningful and lasting impact across the community.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Wests Tigers \u2013 Jahream Bula \u2013 Junior Club: All Saints Liverpool\u00a0<\/p>\n


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Jahream Bula has demonstrated a strong commitment to community engagement, youth development and giving back through his ongoing involvement in initiatives alongside the Wests Tigers. A key participant in the club\u2019s Community School Blitz program, Jahream regularly visits schools across the Wests Tigers catchment area, delivering presentations and rugby league clinics that encourage students to pursue their goals, value education and build resilience.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Known for his ability to connect with young people, Jahream uses his experiences as a professional athlete to inspire and motivate the next generation. His contributions also extend to junior rugby league clubs and a range of community programs, where he consistently volunteers his time to support and uplift others.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Through his leadership, generosity and dedication to community service, Jahream has established himself as a positive role model whose impact extends far beyond the rugby league field.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Find out more about some of the other NRL Community programs and award below:<\/p>\n

Power for Change<\/a>
NRL Community awards<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Find out more about the 2026 Ken Stephen Medal nominees and the work they do below. Ken Stephen…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":775883,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[568],"tags":[64,63,761,762,158,85],"class_list":["post-775882","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-nrl","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-national-rugby-league","tag-nationalrugbyleague","tag-nrl","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/775882","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=775882"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/775882\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/775883"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=775882"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=775882"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=775882"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}