Warriors NRLW captain Georgia Hale and Knights NRL star Connor Watson have been awarded Veronica White and Ken Stephen medals for their community work.
The pair were honoured in a ceremony at ANZ Stadium before the Telstra Premiership grand final on Sunday.
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Hale, in addition to being a wonderful role model and trailblazer on the field, is constantly helping others with genuine passion via her role as the Warriors’ community coordinator.

The lock was also nominated for last year’s Veronica White Medal.

The 25-year-old, who was named the 2020 Young New Zealander of the Year, has made a difference on countless school visits.

Hale has been devoted to assisting rural communities, children, the intellectually disabled and a variety of charities.

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the club’s outreach programs, but Hale continued to assist through Zoom calls as well as her own food-bank collections and wellbeing sessions with friends and family.

“We couldn’t be prouder of Georgia. She brings enormous credit on herself in the most selfless manner,” Warriors CEO Cameron George said when Hale was named Young New Zealander of the Year.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo paid tribute to Watson and Hale and said both 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.”

The Ken Stephen Medal is brought to you by My Property Consultants while the Veronica White Medal is supported by Apprenticeship Careers Australia. Both medals are part of the Kayo NRL Community Awards 2020.

The competition only went for a month but for 2020 Karyn Murphy Medal winner Amber Hall, the journey had just about everything. 

Hall became the second Kiwi representative in three seasons after Kimiora Nati (2018) to be awarded player of the match in the NRL Telstra Women's Premiership grand final.

It capped a remarkable return for the Broncos powerhouse, who a fortnight ago feared her season may have been over after a tackle on Isabelle Kelly attracted attention.
A one-match ban for a hip-drop tackle in round two gave Hall the week off in last week's win over the Roosters and ultimately added the fire in the belly to repay the faith of her teammates on Sunday.
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She was at her rampaging best in the 20-10 triumph, scoring a try in the first half and terrorising the Roosters defensive line to finish the game with a try, 154 metres, three tackle busts and three offloads.

"I'm still in shock, I just went out there to play for my team and do the job," Hall said.
"[The week off] was good, I mean it wasn't good watching the team play, but it helped me, even more, to want to be back in the grand final."

Hall, who joined the Warriors' five players in coming across to Australia to quarantine last month in a bid to join the Broncos, said the club's culture had driven her to return.

The Kiwi Ferns representative will return to New Zealand on Tuesday, giving her at least a few days to celebrate with her teammates. 

"I like the vibe and the culture at the Broncos, it's really good," she said.

"I've never been looked after before the way they look after me at the Broncos.

"I feel like I'm at home so I wouldn't want to leave. I was telling the girls we're lucky we won because I didn't want to go into quarantine angry."
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Asked where the humble and quiet forward found her aggression on the field, Hall said growing up with cousins in the backyard was the starting point.

"I was brought up with boy cousins so it was rough," she said.
"The contact was heaps different this year. I found it harder than last year but the team did good.
"I think the competition's they have here in Brisbane and Sydney, it's different because everyone is fitter.
"They're stronger and smarter. It comes into the NRLW from club."

Broncos coach Kelvin Wright said the award was "well deserved" after her heroics and sacrifices to play for the club this season.
"She's been one of the best forwards in the game, an absolute handful," Wright said.
"She played the full game and every run I'm sure it takes a lot of energy out of the opposition to tackle her.
"She's sacrificed a lot to come over here. She's a massive part of our team, a great character. She's probably a bit of a pest.
"There was never any doubt about her. She always wanted to come and we always want to be here. 
"We'll keep having her back for as long as she wants to."

Richmond Rovers Rugby League are currently seeking expressions of interest for a Premier Trainer. The primary responsibility of the Trainer will be to work in conjunction with our Head and Assistant Coaches to ensure all players reach and maintain the required fitness levels, physical conditioning and the ability to deliver the coaches game plan.

Applicants for the role will possess the following:
• Previous Trainer experience
• Relevant NZRL Qualification pertaining to the role (or working towards one)
• Strong Communication skills
• The ability to motivate and get the best out of players.

Expressions of interest to be emailed and received by: Wednesday, 04th November 2020 to;
Club Chairman: [email protected]
Head Coach: [email protected]

Richmond Club Values: P Professionalism R Respect I Integrity D Diversity E Excellence