Seven players have been nominated for the 2019 Provan-Summons Medal due to their heartening on-field acts of sportsmanship, courage and respect this season.
The honour has previously been awarded to the fan-voted player of the year. However, it now reflects a player who has displayed one of these three qualities.
Parramatta captain Clint Gutherson, Bulldogs skipper Josh Jackson, Dragons hooker Cameron McInnes, Titans winger Phillip Sami, Rabbitohs forward Ethan Lowe, Cowboys veteran Gavin Cooper and Eels prop Tim Mannah are the candidates.
"The medal exemplifies the true spirit of the sport," said NRL senior awards manager Frank Puletua.
A fan vote will make up 50% of the judging process, with an expert panel to account for the other half. The Provan-Summons Medal recipient will be announced at the Dally M Medal ceremony at The Horden Pavilion in Sydney on October 2.
Provan-Summons Medal nominees
Clint Gutherson - Sportsmanship
The Eels custodian displayed great care for Bulldogs forward Adam Elliott after he suffered a heavy knock in a tackle in round two.
Ethan Lowe - Sportsmanship
The South Sydney back-rower slowed down to check on Manly's Tom Trbojevic when the superstar fullback pulled up lame with a hamstring injury in round four.
Gavin Cooper - Respect
The Cowboys forward took the time to congratulate Storm captain Cameron Smith after the legendary hooker broke the all-time NRL point-scoring record in round five.
Provan Summons Medal nominees
Tim Mannah - Sportsmanship
The Eels stalwart offered his support to Raiders back-rower Joseph Tapine as he was carried from the field with a leg injury in round five.
Cameron McInnes - Courage
With his team down by six against the Rabbitohs in round 19 and needing something special, the St George Illawarra rake shot off the line to charge down a field goal attempt before racing 45 metres to desperately recover the ball. St George Illawarra scored the following play to set up a thrilling finish.
Josh Jackson - Sportsmanship
Jackson's leadership came to the fore as he consoled Wests Tigers winger Paul Momirovski after he missed a goal to force golden point against the Bulldogs in round 21.
Phillip Sami - Courage
Not many catch Melbourne flyer Josh Addo-Carr once he's in the clear, but Titans winger Sami refused to quit - despite his team playing for little more than pride - and managed to wrap up "The Foxx" just short of the try line to stop him from scoring in round 23.
