Maroons stars recognised with 2026 Origin honours
The 2026 State of Origin campaigns delivered plenty of memorable moments for Queensland, and four Maroons have now been recognised for the impact they made along the way.
From match-winning performances to the players who lived and breathed the Maroons spirit, the annual awards celebrate those who stood tallest across the Origin period.
For the Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons, Jessika Elliston and Keilee Joseph could not be split for the Annie Banks Medal, while Chelsea Lenarduzzi was recognised with the Renae Kunst Award.
On the men’s side, Selwyn Cobbo claimed the Ron McAuliffe Medal after an electric series, while Tino Fa'asuamaleaui received the FOGS Peter Jackson Memorial Trophy.
2026 Renae Kunst Award: Chelsea Lenarduzzi
The Renae Kunst Award is all about what it means to be a Maroon.
Presented to the player or staff member who best embodies the famous Queensland spirit, the 2026 honour went to Chelsea Lenarduzzi.
A leader within a young Maroons squad, Lenarduzzi was a driving force across all three camps, bringing experience, energy and a team-first attitude every step of the way.
Whether it was on the field, around the group or helping guide the next generation of Queensland players, Lenarduzzi played a major role in setting the tone for the campaign.
2026 Annie Banks Medal: Jessika Elliston and Keilee Joseph
Sometimes, there is simply no separating them.
The Annie Banks Medal recognises the Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons’ best player of the series, as decided by the coaching staff, and in 2026 the honour was shared by Jessika Elliston and Keilee Joseph.
Both were enormous for Queensland across the series.
Elliston powered her way to 156 post-contact metres and produced 100 tackles without missing a single one, while Joseph finished with 103 tackles, four tackle breaks and 80 post-contact metres.
More than the numbers, it was the pair’s relentless effort and refusal to take a backward step that stood out.
In the toughest moments of the series, both kept turning up, and in the end the coaching staff could not split them.
2026 FOGS Peter Jackson Memorial Trophy: Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
The FOGS Peter Jackson Memorial Trophy celebrates the player or staff member who best represents the Maroons spirit.
Few wear that responsibility more proudly than Queenslander, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui.
Fa'asuamaleaui was recognised for the resilience, passion and leadership he showed throughout the 2026 Origin campaign. Despite facing the hardship of his father's passing whilst on camp, Tino continually put his strongest foot forward for his family, his teammates and the people of Queensland.
Through the highs, the challenges and the pressure that comes with Origin football, the Maroons mainstay continued to lead from the front.
2026 Ron McAuliffe Medal: Selwyn Cobbo
When Selwyn Cobbo gets involved, things tend to happen.
The Ron McAuliffe Medal is awarded to Queensland’s best player of the State of Origin series, as determined by the coaching staff, and Cobbo was a deserving recipient after a hugely influential 2026 campaign.
The explosive winger finished the series with four tries, one try assist, four line breaks and 17 tackle breaks, while averaging 184 run metres per game.
Whether he was finishing opportunities, breaking the game open or getting Queensland into the fight, Cobbo was a constant threat.
His performances across the series saw him finish the campaign with one of Queensland rugby league’s most prestigious individual honours and cap another memorable Origin year in Maroon.
