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2025 Players’ Champion Contenders Announced: Tedesco Chases Record

9/10/2025

24 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) revealed 2025 Players’ Champion contenders, including 68 NRL and 48 NRLW players.
Awards will air on Channel 9, with key dates from September 10 to October 2.
James Tedesco aims to match Johnathan Thurston's record of four wins.
Stephen Crichton won the Dr. George Peponis Medal for the Bulldogs.
Nathan Cleary earned the Merv Cartwright Medal for the Panthers, his third win.

History

Historical Context

Established in 1995, the National Rugby League (NRL) has evolved into a major force in Australian sports, featuring over 16 teams and thousands of players. The league's recognition of individual excellence, highlighted by James Tedesco's pursuit of Johnathan Thurston's four-win record, reflects its significant cultural impact and the growing popularity of rugby league in Australia.

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Story summary

The Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) revealed 2025 Players’ Champion contenders, including 68 NRL and 48 NRLW players.
Awards will air on Channel 9, with key dates from September 10 to October 2.
James Tedesco aims to match Johnathan Thurston's record of four wins.
Stephen Crichton won the Dr. George Peponis Medal for the Bulldogs.
Nathan Cleary earned the Merv Cartwright Medal for the Panthers, his third win.

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