Newcastle Knights utility Connor Watson has won the prestigious Ken Stephens Medal, awarded to the NRL player adjudged the outstanding contributor in the community.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Watson and his family have been a driving force behind the Cultural Choice Association, which supports the prevention of youth suicide amont Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
This year Watson led the Boots for Brighter Futures, with several Youth Justice Centres creating artwork for 56 pairs of boots, which were worn during Indigenous Round and later auctioned off to raise funds.
"Connor has displayed leadership beyond his years. The work he is doing is having a positive impact on not only Indigenous communities, but society in general," NRL CEO Andrew Abdo Abdo said.
The 32nd Ken Stephen Medallist, Watson finished ahead of other outstanding nominees in Reed Mahoney, Martin Taupau and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
New Zealand Warriors star Georgia Hale won the NRLW equivalent, the Veronica White Medal. Both medals were awarded at last night's NRL grand final in front of almost 40,000 people at ANZ Stadium.
Watson was presented the Ken Stephen Medal by inaugural winner and ARL Commissioner Wayne Pearce, while Hale received the Veronica White Medal from Australian Rugby League Indigenous Council Chair and former Jillaroo Katrina Fanning.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said both players and all nominees 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.
"COVID presented many challenges in 2020 but these players found a way to still make a positive difference."
"Connor's commitment to raising awareness of important Indigenous issues in an innovative way like Boots for Brighter Futures will benefit so many in the years ahead."
Hale, the 2020 Young New Zealander of the Year, has used her own platform as an athlete who has represented her country in four sports.
The Warriors' community coordinator routinely visits schools and has dedicated herself to helping children, rural communities, the intellectually disabled and a wide range of charities.
"Georgia has dedicated herself to helping others," Mr Abdo said.
"She spends hours every week working with children, the disabled and particularly helping out in regional communities. She's a remarkable athlete and an even more remarkable person."
Hale was awarded the second Veronica White Medal ahead of Brisbane Broncos Captain Ali Brigginshaw, St George Illawarra forward Kezie Apps and the Sydney Roosters' Simaima Taufa.
The 2020 Ken Stephen Medal is proudly supported by My Property Consultants.
The Veronica White Medal is proudly supported by Apprenticeship Careers Australia.
The Kayo NRL Community Awards 2020 acknowledges some of rugby league's unsung community heroes for the tireless work they do for the game they love.
An overview of the NRL Community Awards can be found at www.nrl.com/community/awards
While you're with us, did you know the Newcastle Herald offers breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up to date with all the local news - sign up here
IN OTHER NEWS:
- More than 50 firefighters and 14 trucks attend blaze in Hunter
- Wave of disadvantage: Housing stress to hit the Hunter
- Ruthless Storm beat Penrith 26-20 in NRL grand final
- 28 COVID-safe restaurants and foodie hangouts for your next night out in Newcastle
- More movement in tightly held beachside position
- Newcastle's Aaron Royle wins Nepean Triathlon for a record sixth time
