A player who consistently donates his time to charity work, youth development and community support, both as a part of and over and above his regular club commitments, Toby Rudolf is the Sharks nominee for the 2023 Ken Stephen Medal – Man of the Year.
With the largest number of club community hours of any contracted player at the Sharks in giving his time to a variety of activities across the Sharks Have Heart programs, combined with his efforts in raising $41,00 for the Leukemia Foundation through the World’s Greatest Shave initiative, Rudolf is more than worthy to be recognised alongside those from other clubs, as a nominee for the NRL’s most prestigious community award.
Sharks fans and all people who appreciate his community efforts, can support his nomination by placing a vote for Rudolf to be a Ken Stephen Medal Fan Favourite and Top 4 finalist in 2023.
The player who receives the most public votes will not only become an automatic finalist for the Ken Stephen Medal - Man of the Year, but they will also receive $2,500, with the amount to be divided between their Junior Rugby League Club and a charity of the player’s choice. Toby’s Junior Club is South Eastern Seagulls and his nominated charity The Leukemia Foundation.
Possessing a uniqueness that enables him to connect with an audience broader than just Sharks or NRL supporters, Rudolf’s community reach is a considerable asset to the Sharks, our community and to the game of rugby league.
Popular everywhere he goes, whether that is at school or hospital visit, the annual Sharks junior league blitz or at the many other events he attends, Rudolf has justifiably received widespread recognition for his support of the World Greatest Shave and the Leukemia Foundation.
With long flowing locks a feature of his appearance, Rudolf took the massive step of shaving his head for the cause, setting an initial goal of $10,000, however his consistent encouragement for support through personal and club social media channels, managing to raise $41,900, the most of any sports star or celebrity taking part in the 2023 Shave.
As a part of his support for the cause, Rudolf also met and befriended Elsie Roache, a four-year-old battling blood cancer, with his personality and commitment lifting the spirits of the youngster and the numerous others to have followed his story. Not only did Rudolf raise money to put towards research, he also raised awareness of the crucial work of the Leukemia Foundation.
A standout community performer, both at the Sharks and throughout the NRL in general, Rudolf is more than worthy of receiving the top honour, where he would follow in the footsteps of teammates Nicho Hynes who was the Fan Favourite for the award in 2022, and 2021 Ken Stephen Medalist, Ronaldo Mulitalo.
You can ensure Toby’s place as a Ken Stephen Finalist by placing your vote now and encouraging your friends and family to do the same.
CLICK HERE to find out more and Vote for Toby Rudolf.
And to show your support for the Leukemia Foundation or to learn more about their important work please visit https://www.leukaemia.org.au/
