Tedesco eyes record win as Players’ Champion nominees revealed
Roosters captain James Tedesco is in the running to claim a record fifth NRL Players’ Champion award.
The superstar fullback and reigning Dally M Medal winner is one of the 68 NRL players nominated for the award, which is handed out by the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA).
Roosters captain James Tedesco. Getty Images
Tedesco already won the award in 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2024. He is currently level with Cowboys legend Johnathan Thurston, but can claim a record fifth if he is crowned the winner on September 28.
And the NRLW could be set to crown its first two-time champion, with previous winners Tamika Upton, Raecene McGregor, Simaima Taufa, Jess Sergis, and Isabelle Kelly all nominated for this year’s gong.
Four players from every team are nominated for the two awards. Players from the men’s and women’s competitions then vote to decide the winners.
“To be recognised in this way is a significant honour,” RLPA boss Clint Newton said on Tuesday.
“Every contender has first been selected by the player leaders within their own club, reflecting the positive impact they have made on their teammates through their performances over the season.
“The Players’ Champion carries enormous prestige because it is decided by the players themselves. Players understand better than anyone the relentless standards required to perform consistently at the elite level, the challenges that need to be overcome, and how an individual contributes to a team.
“The 2026 NRL and NRLW seasons have again demonstrated the extraordinary quality of our playing group. Across both competitions, players continue to raise the standard through their skill, toughness, professionalism and commitment to their clubs and teammates.
“The final decision now belongs to the players across the NRL and NRLW. To ultimately be voted The Players’ Champion by those you compete against every week is one of the greatest endorsements and signs of respect a player can receive.”
Players from both competitions can now cast votes in a 3-2-1 format, but can’t vote for their teammates. The player with the highest number of votes in the NRL and NRLW lists is crowned the champion.
The winners will be announced on Nine’s 100% Footy on Monday, September 28.
Tamika Upton can win her second award. Getty
NRL contenders by club
Broncos: Xavier Willison, Patrick Carrigan, Billy Walters, Kotoni Staggs
Bulldogs: Enari Tuala, Lachlan Galvin, Sitili Tupouniua, Jacob Preston
Cowboys: Scott Drinkwater, Reuben Cotter, Jaxon Purdue, Heilum Luki
Dolphins: Kurt Donoghoe, Herbie Farnworth, Selwyn Cobbo, Thomas Gilbert
Dragons: Hamish Stewart, Ryan Couchman, Damien Cook, Dylan Egan
Eels: Jack Williams, Brian Kelly, Ronald Volkman, Kitione Kautoga
Knights: Phoenix Crossland, Mat Croker, Fletcher Sharpe, Greg Marzhew
Panthers: Dylan Edwards, Nathan Cleary, Thomas Jenkins, Moses Leota
Rabbitohs: Cam Murray, Cody Walker, Keaon Koloamatangi, Tallis Duncan
Raiders: Simi Sasagi, Kaeo Weekes, Joseph Tapine, Zac Hosking
Roosters: James Tedesco, Naufahu Whyte, Sam Walker, Mark Nawaqanitawase
Sea Eagles: Haumole Olakau’atu, Taniela Paseka, Toluta’u Koula, Ben Trbojevic
Sharks: Braydon Trindall, William Kennedy, Blayke Brailey, Teig Wilton
Storm: Sualauvi Fa’alogo, Stefano Utoikamanu, Jahrome Hughes, Harry Grant
Titans: Phillip Sami, Keano Kini, Jayden Campbell, Jojo Fifita
Warriors: Wayde Egan, James Fisher-Harris, Erin Clark, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
Tigers: Alex Twal, Adam Doueihi, Api Koroisau, Fonua Pole
NRLW contenders by club
Broncos: Tamika Upton, Chelsea Lenarduzzi, Jesse Southwell, Shannon Mato
Cowboys: Makenzie Weale, Fran Goldthorp, Abigail Roache, Bree Chester
Dragons: Brooke Anderson, Maria Paseka, Kasey Reh, Montana Clifford
Eels: Abbi Church, Lindsay Tui, Rory Owen, Elsie Albert
Knights: Sidney Taylor, Lucy Spain, Olivia Higgins, Kirra Dibb
Tigers: Faythe Manera, Raecene McGregor, Sarah Togatuki, Shaylee Bent
Tigers: Sienna Lofipo, Laikha Clarke, Georgia Hale, Teagan Levi
Warriors: Shakira Baker, Apii Nicholls, Stacey Waaka, Harata Butler
Sharks: Georgia Ravics, Quincy Dodd, Georgia Hannaway, Manilita Takapautolo
Raiders: Leianne Tufuga, Zahara Temara, Chanté Temara, Simaima Taufa
Bulldogs: Alexis Tauaneai, Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa, Monica Tagoai, Tamika Jones
Roosters: Jessica Sergis, Isabelle Kelly, Olivia Kernick, Millie Elliott
