Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks half Nicho Hynes and St. George Illawarra winger Kimberley Hunt have been named the 2024 Ken Stephen and Veronica White Medallists at tonight's Dally M Awards in Sydney.
The prestigious medals, presented by Westpac, recognise the efforts of players who have not only achieved on the field but have committed time off the field to community projects.
The star duo took the honours from a quality field of finalists who made significant contributions within their communities in the areas of physical and mental health, education, First Nations community support and all abilities Rugby League.
Hynes was crowned Rugby League's Man of the Year taking home the Ken Stephen Medal ahead of Ruben Cotter (Cowboys), Brian Kelly (Titans) and Shaun Lane (Eels), while Hunt was named Woman of the Year claiming the Veronica White Medal over Mahalia Murphy (Eels), Millie Elliott (Roosters) and Jaime Chapman (Titans).
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said the two winners set the highest standards with their on-field and off-field contributions to Rugby League.
"Nicho and Kimberley have both been recognised as leaders and role models in the community. On behalf of everyone in the game, we congratulate them on this achievement and also acknowledge and thank all players for the wonderful work they do in communities," said Abdo.
"At Westpac, we're honoured to partner with the NRL Community Awards and extend our heartfelt congratulations to this year's Ken Stephen Medal recipient, Nicho Hynes, and Veronica White Medal recipient, Kimberley Hunt. These two players deserve recognition for their dedication to local rugby league initiatives and their commitment on and off the field, which is clear from the impact they've had on the broader community," said Westpac Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Annabel Fribence.
Nicho Hynes - 2024 Ken Stephen Medal
As a proud Wiradjuri and Darkinjung man, Hynes is a vocal advocate for a range of indigenous programs both within the NRL and across the wider community. An Indigenous All Stars representative, he also serves on the NRL advisory board for Indigenous issues.
Hynes was instrumental in the development of the NRL's Diversity and Anti-Racism Program 'One Heart', as well as supporting the School to Work program and the 'MegaJaws' program, assisting with clinics for children and adults with disabilities.
In addition to supporting the NRL and Club-based initiatives, it was Hynes' own vision and drive that led to the Sharks' Mental Health themed round in collaboration with Gotcha4Life, focusing on mental fitness and raising suicide awareness.
Kimberley Hunt - 2024 Veronica White Medal
A proud Wakaid woman from Badu Island, Hunt is an Indigenous All-Stars representative who has shown exceptional dedication to community service since joining the Dragons this season, particularly in supporting the local Indigenous community.
Hunt has been a key driver of the 'Healthy Deadly Kids' program and other initiatives with the local Aboriginal Medical Service, promoting healthy lifestyle choices in Indigenous youth.
Despite relocating to Wollongong, Hunt remains committed to her Far North Queensland roots and balances her athletic career with her passion for mental health advocacy, particularly for young Indigenous people.
2024 Community Awards Grassroots winners:
- Community Rugby League Club of the Year: Bowen Seagulls Rugby League Club (Queensland)
- Volunteer of the Year: Khalil Kouayder (New South Wales)
- Young Person of the Year: Thomas Ottaway (Queensland)
- Teacher of the Year: Matthew O'Dwyer (Charles Weston School - ACT)
- Women in League Award: Maryanne Longstaff (South Australia)
- Indigenous Community Award: Jasmine Bond (Queensland)
