Sharks prop-star Ellie Johnston took out the New South Wales Blues Women's award at the 2026 Brad Fittler Medal ceremony last night.
Johnston led the team up front with 322m, seven tackle busts, three offloads, and 68 tackles throughout the series victory as well as scoring a crucial try in game one.
Also in attendance were NSWRL Chair Carolyn Campbell and the NSWRL Board, NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden, recently appointed Westpac NSW Blues coach Matt King, Westpac NSW Blues Women’s coach John Strange, NSW Blues and NSW Blues Women players, True Blues, club representatives and players.
“The Brad Fittler Medal is a night where we celebrate the achievements of our administrators, officials, volunteers and players for the 2026 season,” Trodden said.
“This year has already been a memorable and successful season for NSWRL, with our men’s and women’s Origin teams both claiming their respective series, and participation records broken for a fourth consecutive season.
“I congratulate all the winners tonight for the positive contributions they have made in 2026 and wish all the teams still in the running for a premiership the best of luck for the finals.”
FULL LIST OF 2026 BRAD FITTLER MEDAL AWARD WINNERS
Brad Fittler Medal (presented by Westpac): Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers)
True Blue Award (presented by Westpac): Hudson Young (Canberra Raiders)
The Daily Telegraph People’s Choice Award: Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers), Jesse Southwell (Brisbane Broncos)
NSW Blues Women’s State of Origin Player of the Year (presented by Westpac): Yasmin Meakes (Newcastle Knights)
NSW Blues Women’s Award (presented by Westpac): Ellie Johnston (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
NSW Under 19s State of Origin Player of the Match (presented by GIO): Diesel Hagan (Newcastle Knights)
NSW Under 19s Women’s State of Origin Player of the Match (presented by Westpac): Anastasia Leatupue (Sydney Roosters)
The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup Player of the Year (presented by Transport for NSW): Jaxen Edgar (Penrith Panthers)
NSW Women’s Premiership Player of the Year: Charley Lahmert (Newcastle Knights)
Jersey Flegg Cup Player of the Year: Eden Hodges (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Leagues Clubs Australia Ron Massey Cup Player of the Year (presented by Leagues Clubs Australia): Joe Lovodua (Ryde-Eastwood Hawks)
Sydney Shield Player of the Year: Ryan Jeffery (Mounties)
Men’s Country Championship Player of the Year: Luke Huth (Newcastle Rebels)
Women’s Country Championship Player of the Year: Jayda Cohen (Northern Tigers)
Tom Nelson Medal for SLE Laurie Daley Cup Player of the Year: Cohen Aitken (Northern Rivers Titans)
Ron Lanesbury Medal for SLE Andrew Johns Cup Player of the Year: Joel Trevethan (Monaro Colts)
Grade Referee of the Year (presented by McDonald’s): Kieren Irons
Junior Representative Referee of the Year (presented by McDonald’s): Liam O’Brien
Ray Stellar Club Person of the Year (presented by Hyundai): Nyke “Aaron” Zammit (Glebe Dirty Reds) and Mark Madden (North Sydney Bears)
Gordon Lowrie Memorial Community Volunteer of the Year Award (presented by Westpac): Kevin Whitford (Milton Ulladulla)
