Joseph Tapine (Kiwi #800) and Mele Hufanga (Kiwi Fern #166) have been named the 2025 NZRL Players of the Year for the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns. Ryan Charles (Wheel Kiwi #1) received the Wheel Kiwis Player of the Year award, while rising star Casey McLean (Kiwi #841) and debutant Ivana Lauitiiti (Kiwi Fern #188) were recognised as Rookies of the Year.  

Joseph Tapine is awarded the Steve Watene Memorial Medal after a stellar season as a key member of the leadership team that guided the Kiwis to their 2025 Pacific Cup title, while also captaining the Canberra Raiders. Mele Hufanga played a vital role in the Broncos’ Premiership-winning season and the Kiwi Ferns’ Pacific Championships campaign, earning her the Player of the Year honour.  

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New Zealand Kiwis Player of the Year: Joseph Tapine

It was a standout season for Tapine in the NRL. Taking over as Captain at Canberra, he led the team to its first Minor Premiership since 1990. He played 23 of 27 games and claimed a fourth straight Meninga Medal as Raiders’ Player of the Year, making club history. Tapine was also voted into the Rugby League Players' Association (RLPA) Players' Dream Team by his peers. On the international stage, he impressed across all three Championship matches, averaging 140 running metres per game. He made 34 tackles against Toa Samoa, 23 against Tonga, and ran for 174 metres in the final, earning an International Rugby League Golden Boot nomination.   

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New Zealand Kiwi Ferns Player of the Year: Mele Hufanga

Hufanga was once again a cornerstone for the Broncos in 2025, scoring eight tries, producing three try assists, and registering 15 line breaks across the season. Her campaign was highlighted by a stunning game-winning try in the Grand Final against the Roosters. Returning for her fourth international season with the Kiwi Ferns, she maintained her try-scoring form with another game-winner against Fetu Samoa off the back of a 90-metre line break. Across the final two Tests against the Jillaroos, Hufanga ran for 217 metres and added two tackle breaks, one line break, and one line break assist, reinforcing her reputation as a consistent game-breaker. 

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New Zealand Kiwis Rookie of the Year: Casey McLean  

The 19-year-old Casey McLean played one game for the Kiwis in the 2024 Pacific Championships, a memorable debut where he scored four tries against Papua New Guinea, in what would be the first glimpse of his talents on the international stage. He enjoyed a breakout 2025 season with Penrith playing 23 matches, finishing with 16 tries and 11 try assists. McLean was a standout in his second campaign for the Kiwis, scoring twice and making three line breaks in Round 1 against Toa Samoa, adding a try and three line breaks against Tonga, and crossing again in the Grand Final against Toa Samoa. The Rookie of the Year has now scored in every Test he has played in, totalling eight tries from four appearances, marking him as an exciting long-term prospect for both the Panthers and the Kiwis. 

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New Zealand Kiwi Ferns Rookie of the Year: Ivana Lauitiiti

One of Aotearoa’s most promising young prospects in recent years, Ivana Lauitiiti enjoyed an unforgettable 2025 rookie season, making both her NRLW and international debuts. Her strong performances earned her a regular bench role for the Warriors, finishing with six appearances, two tries, 36 tackle breaks, 105 average running metres, and 71 tackles. A bone-rattling hit in Round 11 earned her the NRLW Dally M Tackle of the Year, and she was named Warriors Rookie of the Year. Her stellar club form secured selection in the Kiwi Ferns squad, appearing in all three Tests as an interchange prop. She made her international debut in the Round 1 comeback win over Fetu Samoa. Across her maiden campaign as the youngest in the squad, Ivana ran for 131 metres, making 32 tackles, and delivering six offloads, a solid start to the Rookie of the Year’s international career. 

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New Zealand Wheel Kiwis Player of the Year: Ryan Charles

Ryan Charles was named Wheel Kiwis Player of the Year after exemplifying excellence both on and off the court. A respected leader for the Wheel Kiwis, he guided his teammates with professionalism, humility, and a strong sense of whanaungatanga. At the inaugural NRL Wheelchair National Championships, he was a standout performer, converting almost every kick and adding several tries. His performances combined accurate kicking, creative playmaking, and strong game awareness. Off the court, Ryan serves as a mentor and role model, promoting wellbeing, hauora, and positive team culture through his holistic approach to leadership. His commitment, leadership, and passion for wheelchair rugby league make him a truly deserving recipient of this award.

Shortlist: Jayson Hooker, Mitch Stone.

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‍2025 New Zealand Rugby League high performance award winners

New Zealand Kiwis Player of the Year: Joseph Tapine

New Zealand Kiwi Ferns Player of the Year: Mele Hufanga

New Zealand Wheel Kiwis Player of the Year: Ryan Charles

New Zealand Kiwis Rookie of the Year: Casey McLean  

New Zealand Kiwi Ferns Rookie of the Year: Ivana Lauitiiti

2025 marked another outstanding year for domestic rugby league in Aotearoa as participation continued to grow, alongside increased support from volunteers, coaches, and our wider rugby league community. The talent, commitment, and effort shown across the game made selecting the 2025 NZRL award winners challenging. We congratulate the award winners as well as the shortlisted nominees.  

NZRL CEO Greg Peters shares, “As we reflect on the outstanding achievements and contributions across rugby league in 2025, highlighted by our award recipients, we also acknowledge and thank everyone who plays a part in strengthening our game.

"The dedication shown at every level continues to drive rugby league forward in a positive and inspiring way, it is a proud time for our game.”

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Grassroots Club of the Year: Rātana Pā Sports Club, Manawatu  

Rātana Pā Sports Club has shown continued dedication to growing rugby league in its small community, located between Palmerston North and Whanganui. Historically been a rugby union dominant community, in 2024 the sports club established the area’s first men’s and women’s teams in the Manawatū Rugby League senior competition. Building on this momentum, in 2025 the club established a junior programme, entering six teams into the Manawatū junior competitions, with 100 tamariki, teina, and rangatahi getting involved. Now, juniors and seniors from the Pā have been provided the opportunity to play rugby league, and the Manawatū District competitions have grown through the addition of the Sports Club’s teams.

Shortlist: Greymouth Greyhounds, West Coast; Maraenui Rugby League Club, Hawke’s Bay; Mt. Albert Lions, Auckland; Ōtāhuhu Leopards, Counties Manukau; Papamoa Bulldogs, Coastline; Randwick Kingfishers, Wellington; Riccarton Knights, Canterbury; Tautoro Titans, Te Tai Tokerau Rugby League; Whangamatā Whai, Hauraki.

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Female Domestic Player of the Year: Onjeurlina Hunt, Ōtāhuhu Leopards and Counties Manukau  

Returning to rugby league in 2025 after having her first child, Onjeurlina Hunt (née Leiataua) was back to her renowned form as she captained the Ōtāhuhu Leopards Women, and the Counties Manukau Women in the Sky Sport National Women's Premiership. She led Ōtāhuhu to the Steele-Shanks Premiership semi-finals, before guiding the Counties women through an undefeated campaign to claim the National title. Leading from the middle of the field, nearly every run produced tackle breaks and a line break, often producing a try of her own or putting her team on the front foot. Her leadership was also evident as she drew on her years of experience to encourage and help younger and less experienced teammates. Onjeurlina’s 2025 season was a standout comeback marked by strong leadership and second to none performance.

Shortlist: Elizabeth Shelford Edwards, Moerewa Tigers and Northland; Malena Lavea, Richmond Rovers and Akarana; Mele Wihongi-Hemaloto, Richmond Rovers, Northland and Akarana; Te Raukura Leafe, Randwick Kingfishers and Wellington; Terongomaianiwaniwa Williams, Eastern Eagles and Canterbury.

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Male Domestic Player of the Year: Jamel Hunt, Ōtāhuhu Leopards and Counties Manukau

Jamel Hunt enjoyed an outstanding 2025 season, captaining both the Ōtāhuhu Leopards Premier Men and Counties Manukau Men to championship titles. He was instrumental in the Leopards collecting all major ARL trophies including the prestigious Fox Memorial Shield, the Roope Rooster, Kiwi Shield, and the Rukutai Shield. He carried this success into the Counties side, leading the team in their unbeaten season, which saw them take out the National Premiership. A powerful and skilful enforcer in the middle, Jamel’s leadership was equally influential as he consistently led by example on and off the field. Working closely with team staff at both Ōtāhuhu and Counties, he helped foster a positive, high-performance team culture, playing a key role in his teams’ title-winning success. Jamel’s consistent excellence, leadership, and championship success at both club and representative level rightfully earned him the Player of the Year award.

Shortlist: Dylan Tavita, Ōtāhuhu Leopards and Counties Manukau; Poutawera Ratana, West Coast Raiders and Te Tai Tokerau; Sebastine Ikahihifo, Ōtāhuhu Leopards and Counties Manukau.

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Domestic Coach of the Year: Tusa Lafaele, Ōtāhuhu Leopards and Counties Manukau

At the helm of the successful Ōtāhuhu Leopards Premier Men and the Counties Manukau Men was Tusa Lafaele, whose 2025 coaching season was nothing short of remarkable. Under his leadership, Ōtāhuhu dominated the Auckland Rugby League Fox Memorial Premiership, winning all 17 matches to secure the prestigious Fox Memorial Shield, along with the Roope Rooster, Kiwi Shield, and Rukutai Shield. Building on this success, Tusa applied his proven coaching approach to the Counties Men’s team in the National Premiership. In similar fashion, Counties clean-swept the Premiership to win all matches and secure the National title for the first time in 10 years, cementing Tusa as the 2025 Domestic Coach of the Year.

Shortlist: Andrew Auimatagi, Linwood Keas and Canterbury; Bryce Wilson, Northland; Charlie Tikotikoca, Marlborough and Te Tauihu; Jaedyn Eagle, Tamatea Arikinui and Hawke’s Bay; Krystal Rota, Papakura Sea Eagles and Counties Manukau; Pila Hingano, Pakuranga Jaguars and Counties Manukau; Sese Henry, Ōtāhuhu Leopards and Counties Manukau.

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Female Junior Player of the Year: Ivana Lauitiiti, Ōtāhuhu Leopards

After signing a development contract with the New Zealand Warriors NRLW team at the end of 2024, Ivana Lauitiiti began her 2025 season with her local junior club, the Ōtāhuhu Leopards, in their women's side. Her dedication to training and strong work ethic earned her an NRLW debut in Round 5, before securing a regular bench role for the remainder of the season. She finished the year with six appearances, earning both the Warriors Rookie of the Year award plus NRLW Dally M Tackle of the Year. Her impressive club campaign propelled her into the Kiwi Ferns’ 2025 Pacific Championships squad. The youngest member of the squad, Ivana made her international debut in Round 1 against Fetu Samoa and went on to play all three Tests. Ivana's on-field achievements were further highlighted by her off-field service, including her support of grassroots rugby league and volunteering in community initiatives.

Shortlist: Luisa Kuli, Richmond Rovers and Akarana; Mary-Jane Taito, Mangere East Hawks and Counties Manukau; Suraya Kingi, Manurewa Marlins, Northland, and Counties Manukau.

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Male Junior Player of the Year: Rico Lemalie, Linwood Keas and Canterbury  

Rico Lemalie was a consistent performer for the New Zealand Warriors under-19 S.G. Ball Cup team throughout their 2025 season, before returning to Christchurch for the club season. Unable to take the field due to injury, he instead stepped up as a trainer for his Linwood 18s side, supporting the team through to finals. Rico recovered in time to join the Canterbury Bulls 18s for the National Youth Tournament, where he demonstrated strong leadership by mentoring and supporting teammates, particularly those new to the representative environment. Appointed co-captain, Rico’s leadership, game understanding, and skill set were key to Canterbury winning the National Youth Tournament, marking their first championship in the current tournament format and first 18s title since 1998. In addition to his on-field merits, Rico also volunteered as a trainer for the Linwood 14s boys and coached a Canterbury Samoa team in the Pasifika Elite Pathways Cup.

Shortlist: Api Patuawa, Te Paamu Tigers and Coastline; Calvin Tavita-Harris, Ōtāhuhu Leopards and Counties Manukau; Gordon Afoa, St. Paul’s College and Auckland; Jeremiah Lemana, Kelston Boys’ High School and Auckland; Kairus Booth, Otago and South Island; Kayce Perese–Sukroo, Ellerslie Eagles and Akarana; Ronan Byford, Mt. Albert Lions and Akarana; Satali Asolelei-Fretton, Kelston Boy’s High School and Akarana.

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Match Official of the Year: Paki Parkinson, Auckland  

In 2025, Paki Parkinson continued to set the benchmark for refereeing and officiating in Aotearoa, contributing across all levels from grassroots to high performance and international rugby league. Representing the Auckland Referees Association, Paki’s most notable grassroots appointments included the Fox Memorial Grand Final, NZ Māori vs Auckland Invitational match, NZ Secondary Schools Tournament Boys’ Premiership Final, and the National Men’s Premiership Final. He also officiated in junior representative competitions including the New South Wales Cup, Jersey Flegg Cup, and S.G. Ball Cup. On the NRL stage, he had several appointments as a touch judge, and was the primary on-field referee for two NRLW matches. In two Test matches during the recent Pacific Championships Paki featured as a touch judge. Off the pitch, Paki spent time mentoring Bay of Plenty and Coastline referees, sharing his extensive knowledge and expertise. Paki's performances throughout the year demonstrated the high standards and excellence he continues to strive for.

Shortlist: Jack Feavers, Canterbury; Jenny Pope, West Coast and South Island; La Winitana, Wellington; Rachael Beazley, Northland.

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Pirtek Volunteer of the Year: Nathan Te Miha, Te Atatū Roosters

Nathan (Nate) Te Miha coached the Te Atatū Roosters 16s boys, but his impact extended beyond the field and his role as a coach. He supported players however possible, including transporting them to training, ensuring they had kai, and checking in on their wellbeing. To his players, Nate was a mentor, role model, and friend. Alongside his coaching staff, he built a strong team culture and kaupapa where all boys felt valued, even when missing out on selection to play. Nate’s commitment also extended beyond Te Atatū. He established and coached an additional Hokianga Storm Māori development team so more boys had the opportunity to play, growing the Storm’s 17s programme to three teams. He also supported a Northland 9s team by transporting players to Whangārei each weekend, ensuring these boys could pursue another representative pathway. The impact Nate, alongside his wife Kathleen, has had on many rangatahi and teams across the rugby league community is immense, and this recognition reflects his outstanding contribution to the game.

Shortlist: Darren Pullen, Pātea Warriors; Peter McInally, Howick Hornets; Shannan Foreman, Waitemata Seagulls.

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2025 New Zealand Rugby League domestic award winners:

Grassroots Club of the Year: Rātana Pā Sports Club

Female Domestic Player of the Year: Onjeurlina Hunt

Male Domestic Player of the Year: Jamel Hunt

Domestic Coach of the Year: Tusa Lafaele

Female Junior Player of the Year: Ivana Lauitiiti

Male Junior Player of the Year: Rico Lemalie

Match Official of the Year: Paki Parkinson

Pirtek Volunteer of the Year: Nathan Te Miha