27 October 2020

Warriors NRLW captain Georgia Hale and Knights NRL star Connor Watson have been awarded Veronica White and Ken Stephen medals for their community work.

The pair were honoured in a ceremony at ANZ Stadium before the Telstra Premiership grand final on Sunday.

Hale, in addition to being a wonderful role model and trailblazer on the field, is constantly helping others with genuine passion via her role as the Warriors’ community coordinator.

The lock was also nominated for last year’s Veronica White Medal.

The 25-year-old, who was named the 2020 Young New Zealander of the Year, has made a difference on countless school visits.

Hale has been devoted to assisting rural communities, children, the intellectually disabled and a variety of charities.

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the club’s outreach programs, but Hale continued to assist through Zoom calls as well as her own food-bank collections and wellbeing sessions with friends and family.

“We couldn’t be prouder of Georgia. She brings enormous credit on herself in the most selfless manner,” Warriors CEO Cameron George said when Hale was named Young New Zealander of the Year.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo paid tribute to Watson and Hale and said both were exceptional ambassadors for rugby league.

“It is so fitting for us to showcase these two exceptional people on our biggest day of the year,” Mr Abdo said.

“So many of our players undertake a significant amount of work off the field – much of it done very quietly – tonight was our chance to acknowledge that work. Rugby League brings communities together and Connor and Georgia have led the way in 2020.”

The Ken Stephen Medal is brought to you by My Property Consultants while the Veronica White Medal is supported by Apprenticeship Careers Australia. Both medals are part of the Kayo NRL Community Awards 2020.