Queensland Rugby League has tonight celebrated the incredible achievements of its biggest and brightest stars from across its statewide competitions and State of Origin programs.
The unveiling of six new QRL Life Members set the tone for an emotion-filled evening celebrating the outstanding achievements of Queensland rugby league's finest.
QRL chair Brian Canavan and director Naomi McCarthy formally acknowledged the sustained and significant service of Wayne Bennett, Bruce Hatcher, Mal Meninga, Des Morris Eddie Ward, Karyn Murphy and Eddie Ward.
The QRL Life Membership induction before more than 400 guests at Brisbane City Hall provided a fitting prelude to the presentation of this year’s major awards.
Western Clydesdales fullback Christopher Woodbridge was recognised for his breakthrough season, claiming the Petero Civoniceva Medal as the Hostplus Cup’s best player.
He was also named as the QRL’s Rookie of the Year and was selected in the Hostplus Cup Team of the Year following his scintillating try-scoring efforts with the ball in hand for the Ben and Shane Walker-coached Clydesdales.
The Steph Hancock Medal for the best player in the BMD Premiership was presented to Northern Pride captain Taylor Fenton, who was also picked at halfback in the BMD Premiership Team of the Year following her brilliant year.
The awards evening acknowledged the achievements of the four grand final teams – Sunshine Coast Falcons and the Redcliffe Dolphins in the Hostplus Cup, and the Burleigh Bears and Souths Logan Magpies in the BMD Premiership.
Both the Falcons and Dolphins had two players named in the Hostplus Cup Team of the Year.
For the Falcons, Thomas Casey was named five-eighth of the year, while teammate Danny Heenan was the merit team’s hooker.
The Dolphins were represented by Joshua James (halfback) and Sam Elliott (second row).
Magpies duo Kiarah Siauane (winger) and Keira Rangi (second row) were named in the BMD Premiership Team of the Year, along with Bears star Teaghan Hartigan (lock)
All four teams were in the room ahead of Saturday’s QRL Grand Final day at Kayo Stadium, with key representatives providing insights into their preparations with SEN’s Grassroots to Glory host Peter Fegan.
With the start of the awards evening having acknowledged some of Queensland’s finest players, coaches, referees and administrators, it was appropriate that the Maroons’ best were also etched into the history books.
Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons forwards Jess Elliston and Keilee Joseph were joint recipients of the Annie Banks Medal (best player/s award), while the Renae Kunst Medal for the person who displayed unwavering commitment and spirit to the Maroons’ campaign went to Chelsea Lenarduzzi.
After a stellar campaign on the wing in the men’s Origin series, Selwyn Cobbo beat a red-hot field to receive his first Ron McAuliffe Medal as Queensland’s best.
Maroons forward Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, who courageously took the field just days after the passing of his father, was the recipient of the FOGS Peter Jackson Memorial Award.
QRL Awards:
Life Membership: Wayne Bennett, Mal Meninga, Eddie Ward, Karyn Murphy, Bruce Hatcher, Des Morris
Club championship, presented by TPIL: Burleigh Bears
Des Morris Medal for Cyril Connell Cup Player of the Year: James Turner – Brisbane Tigers
Harvey Norman Under 17 Player of the Year: Lily Bain – Sunshine Coast Falcons
Harvey Norman Under 19 Player of the Year: Ace Pollock – Sunshine Coast Falcons
Mal Meninga Cup Player of the Year: Ben Walker – Northern Pride
BMD Premiership Pedro Gallagher Award for Rookie of the Year, presented by the Carbine Club: Natalie Wright – Norths Devils
Darryl Van de Velde BMD Premiership Coach of the Year: Meg Ward – Norths Devils
BMD Premiership Team of the Year:
Fullback: Natalie Wright – Norths Devils
Winger: Kiarah Siauane – Souths Logan Magpies
Centre: Tiana Power – Northern Pride
Five-Eighth: Tayla Sykes – Norths Devils
Halfback: Taylor Fenton – Northern Pride
Prop: Ruby Fifita – Burleigh Bears
Hooker: Josie Wogand – Central Queensland Capras
Second Row: Keira Rangi – Souths Logan Magpies
Lock: Teaghan Hartigan – Burleigh Bears
Steph Hancock Medal: Taylor Fenton – Northern Pride
BMD Premiership Leading Try Scorer: Kiarah Siauane – Souths Logan Magpies
BMD Premiership Leading Points Scorer: Natalie Wright – Norths Devils
Hostplus Cup Leading Try Scorer: Dudley Dotoi – Townsville Blackhawks
Hostplus Cup Leading Points Scorer: Alex Lobb – Wynnum Manly Seagulls
Hostplus Cup Pedro Gallagher Award for Rookie of the Year, presented by the Carbine Club: Christopher Woodbridge – Western Clydesdales
Hostplus Cup Team of the Year:
Fullback: Christopher Woodbridge – Western Clydesdales
Winger: Dudley Dotoi – Townsville Blackhawks
Centre: Rodrick Tai – Central Queensland Capras
Five-Eighth: Thomas Casey – Sunshine Coast Falcons
Halfback: Joshua James – Redcliffe Dolphins
Prop: Mitchell Prest – Mackay Cutters
Hooker: Danny Heenan – Sunshine Coast Falcons
Second Row: Sam Elliott – Redcliffe Dolphins
Lock: Sam Coster – Burleigh Bears
Darryl Van de Velde Hostplus Cup Coach of the Year: Brad Henderson – Sunshine Coast Falcons
Petero Civoniceva Medal: Christopher Woodbridge – Western Clydesdales
Annie Banks Medal: Jessika Elliston & Keilee Joseph
Renae Kunst Medal: Chelsea Lenarduzzi
Ron McAuliffe Medal: Selwyn Cobbo
FOGS Peter Jackson Memorial Award: Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
Murray Hurst Education Award: Campbell Duffy – Northern Pride
Murray Hurst Education Award: Shaylee Hazledine – Mackay Cutters
Minor Premiership, Hostplus Cup: Sunshine Coast Falcons
Minor Premiership, BMD Premiership: Norths Devils
QRL Life Members
Wayne Bennett
Wayne’s influence on Queenslanders extends far beyond the victories, shaping generations of players and people. Wayne has built a legacy defined by resilience, loyalty and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Affectionately known as the ‘Super Coach’, Wayne has made an impact at every level, from coaching in the glory days of the Brisbane Rugby League, right through to the NRL, State of Origin and Test match arena.
Bruce Hatcher
A passionate Queenslander with a proud life-long connection to rugby league, Bruce was as a fearless administrator during his time leading the Queensland Rugby League. His governance and football expertise helped the game flourish under his leadership. Bruce completed a third term as QRL Chair in October, 2024. He has been a strong advocate for the Maroons Foundation.
Mal Meninga
A Rugby League Immortal, Queensland legend and architect of the Maroons’ famous eight straight, Mal’s induction adds another honour to an extraordinary playing and coaching career at the highest level.
From grand finals to State of Origin and Test match victories as a player and coach, Mal has scaled the heights of the game, all while maintaining a deep connection to grassroots, including his beloved Souths Logan Magpies.
Des Morris
Des’ influence has stretched across every level of the game, from developing players to helping shape the future of Queensland rugby league as a coach and State of Origin selector. He played 226 games for the Easts Tigers and 15 games for Queensland. His list of achievements in the game are endless following more than 50 years of service. Des was awarded an OAM for service to rugby league in 2021.
Karyn Murphy
Karyn is a former Queensland and Australian representative who paved the way for future generations of female players with her fearless on-field approach and dedication to the game. Karyn spearheaded a Queensland team that never lost an Interstate Challenge fixture against New South Wales for 17 years from 1999.
She continues to give back to rugby league, leading the Gold Coast Titans into the NRLW finals.
Eddie Ward
Eddie has dedicated more than 50 years of outstanding service to rugby league, earning respect across the game. Ward excelled on the game’s biggest stages as a former first grade referee, officiating grand finals, State of Origin and international matches. He devoted the final 16 years of his refereeing career to developing Queensland’s emerging talent through the QRL Referees’ Academy and High Performance Unit.
