Sharks captain Monique Donovan has been crowned the Harvey Norman NSW Women's Premiership Player of the Year after inspiring her team into minor premiership contention.
Donovan received the prestigious honour during the NSWRL's Brad Fittler Medal ceremony at The Star Sydney on Monday night. NSW Blues stars Brian To'o and Olivia Kernick claimed the top awards for their respective State of Origin efforts.
After finishing last in 2024, Donovan's arrival has helped propel Cronulla into second place on the HNWP ladder with two rounds to go. They boast a 7-2 record.
The dynamic centre has scored nine tries, including a hat-trick against the Dragons in Round 6, to have the Sharks primed for the playoffs. They're just two points behind Newcastle after losing to the Knights 28-16 on Sunday.
Donovan, an Indigenous All Stars representative, joined Cronulla this year after playing 15 NRLW games for Parramatta over the previous two seasons.
"I am super grateful to be awarded the HNWP Player of the Year," Donovan said.
"I couldn't have done it without the coaching staff and my teammates. My teammates have inspired me to be my best for them. They are a young squad, but they are highly driven and passionate about the game. This has been demonstrated thus far as we are sitting second on the table and aiming for finals."
Donovan's Sharks will face the Steelers in Wollongong on Saturday before rounding out the regular season against the Roosters on the Central Coast.
In recognition of her performances, Donovan has been listed on the extended bench for Saturday night's NRLW match against the Bulldogs at Accor Stadium.
2025 BRAD FITTLER MEDAL AWARD WINNERS
Brad Fittler Medal: Brian To'o (Penrith Panthers)
True Blue Award: Payne Haas (Brisbane Broncos)
The Daily Telegraph People's Choice Award: Brian To'o (Penrith Panthers), Olivia Kernick (Sydney Roosters)
NSW Blues Women's State of Origin Player of the Year: Olivia Kernick (Sydney Roosters)
NSW Blues Women's Award: Abbi Church (Parramatta Eels)
NSW Under 19s State of Origin Player of the Year: Jacob Halangahu (St George Illawarra Dragons)
NSW Under 19s Women's State of Origin Player of the Year: Tess McWilliams (Parramatta Eels)
The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup Player of the Year: Kalani Going (Warriors)
Harvey Norman NSW Women's Premiership Player of the Year: Monique Donovan (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
Jersey Flegg Cup Player of the Year: Preston Conn (Melbourne Storm)
Leagues Clubs Australia Ron Massey Cup Player of the Year: Joseph Nohra (Wentworthville Magpies), Taniela Lasalo (Hills Bulls)
Sydney Shield Player of the Year: Tallis Brown (Moorebank Rams)
Men's Country Championship Player of the Year: Jacob Kernick (Northern Rivers Titans)
Women's Country Championship Player of the Year: Tiana Anderson (Western Rams)
Tom Nelson Medal for SLE Laurie Daley Cup Player of the Year: Toby Batten (North Coast Bulldogs)
Ron Lanesbury Medal for SLE Andrew Johns Cup Player of the Year: Mason Bartlett (Newcastle Maitland Region Knights)
Grade Match Official of the Year: Dillan Wells
Junior Representative Match Official of the Year: Salvatore Marigiliano
Ray Stellar Club Person of the Year: Phil Driscoll OAM (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Gordon Lowrie Memorial Community Volunteer of the Year Award: Dean Bliss (Dungowan RLFC, Northern Region)
