Retiring Sharks skipper Wade Graham has been named the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) Dennis Tutty Award winner for a second consecutive year.
Graham was announced as the recipient of the men’s award, alongside, Broncos player Chelsea Lenarduzzi as the women’s winner, with Dennis Tutty Award presented annually to a current rugby league player who has demonstrated outstanding leadership both on and off the field, a commitment to their fellow players and to the advancement and protection of their rights and for their service and dedication to the game.
Both Graham and Lenarduzzi have been recognised as Dennis Tutty Award winners for 2023 following the longest CBA negotiation in the history of rugby league, a dispute that required unprecedented player action to achieve the best outcome possible for NRL and NRLW players.
Graham started as a Delegate and then a member of the Player Advisory Group before his appointment to the RLPA Board in May 2019.
Clint Newton, the Chief Executive Officer of the RLPA, praised Wade’s commitment and the amount of work he has selflessly committed to in the final year of his playing career.
“Many might have expected Wade to take his foot off the gas for the RLPA in the final year of his playing career, but his commitment towards his fellow players, despite retiring, is just another illustration of his character and selflessness.
“Wade showed that his great determination to achieve the best outcomes for players in 2023 meant more than any possible self-interest.
“The workload placed on Wade this year, during the longest and most contentious CBA negotiation, was more than they had been at any time during his tenure at the RLPA. However, Wade is a natural leader for the players and the Association, and how he approached all the additional commitments will leave a legacy many will benefit from.
“He is intelligent and pragmatic but unwavering in his values and stands firm on his beliefs. Because of these traits, it was clear that he was hugely respected by all parties during the CBA negotiations.
“It is bittersweet knowing that, as a retiring player, his time at the Association as a player leader is coming to a close. Yet, we are so thankful to him for the time, energy, knowledge and experience he has brought to RLPA as he gracefully represented the collective for many years. Personally, I will never forget how he made me feel to lead a person of his stature.
“On behalf of the RLPA, I would like to congratulate Wade for being recognised as a Dennis Tutty Award winner for 2023 and becoming the first ever player to win the award twice.”
Winners of the Dennis Tutty Award:
▪ 2023 Chelsea Lenarduzzi (NRLW)
▪ 2023 Wade Graham (NRL)
▪ 2022 Hannah Southwell (NRLW)
▪ 2022 Wade Graham (NRL)
▪ 2021 Ali Brigginshaw (NRLW)
▪ 2021 Christian Welch (NRL)
▪ 2020 Blake Green
▪ 2019 David Gower
▪ 2018 Jason Nightingale
▪ 2017 James Maloney
▪ 2016 Dene Halatau
▪ 2015 Tom Symonds
▪ 2014 Nate Myles
▪ 2013 Clint Newton
▪ 2012 Robbie Farah
▪ 2011 Andrew Ryan
▪ 2010 Petero Civoniceva
▪ 2009 Michael Gordon
▪ 2008 Jason King
About Dennis Tutty:
Dennis Tutty played rugby league long before the days of full-time professionalism. Before colour TV, Tina Turner and the NRL. When players played almost exclusively for their local clubs and, first and foremost, for their love of the game. Unfortunately, in this romanticised era of rugby league, where the greats of Arthur Beetson and Ron Coote made their names, player rights were often a passing thought for the game’s administrators.
Dennis’ actions in challenging the NSWRL’s transfer system in 1968, at great personal sacrifice, were not only pivotal in the emergence of a player’s rights movement but paved the way for the professionals of today.
The RLPA will ensure that Dennis’s legacy is never forgotten, and all players are reminded of the benefits his sacrifices provide them.
