2024 South Sydney Annual Player Awards
13th September 2024
George Piggins FG Player Of The Year - Jack Wighton
Jack Wighton has been awarded the prestigious George Piggins Medal as the Rabbitohs' Best and Fairest player for the 2024 season. In a year marked by his versatility and leadership, Wighton played a crucial role for the Rabbitohs. Throughout the season, Wighton made 21 appearances, scored six tries, set up another five more, and had 46 line break assists. He began the year playing centre, but due to a number of injuries throughout the season, he seamlessly transitioned into the five-eighth role from round 11 onwards. In a season riddled with injury, Jack played 21 games in his first year at the Club, in a season which also saw Wighton achieve a significant career milestone, celebrating 250 NRL games. Wighton has accomplished many other milestones in his career, being named the 2020 Dally M Player of the Year, represented New South Wales on 10 occasions, and competed in seven Tests for the Kangaroos. He also took home the Clive Churchill Medal in 2019. The George Piggins Medal was Wighton’s second award of the evening, also taking home the Jack Rayner Players' Player Award, voted as the season’s best by the 2024 Rabbitohs playing squad. Wighton was presented with the George Piggins Medal at the 2024 Red and Green Ball at The Star Sydney. The Best and Fairest award is named after Rabbitohs club legend George Piggins who was a Premiership-winning and international player, coach and official over a 40-year period. He was also one of the leading figures in the Club’s fight for reinstatement to the National Rugby League in the early 2000s. Congratulations to Jack Wighton on winning his first George Piggins Medal for his efforts in throughout the 2024 Season.
Jack Rayner Players Player Of The Year - Jack Wighton
Rabbitohs back Jack Wighton has won his first Jack Rayner Players’ Player award presented at tonight’s Red and Green Ball Event held at The Star in Pyrmont. Voted by his teammates as the best performer of the season, Wighton has demonstrated his exceptional value to the South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2024. Wighton’s debut season with the Rabbitohs has been a standout, not only establishing himself as a leader within the squad but also as an attacking weapon throughout 2024. Playing 21 matches, Wighton scored six tries, set up another five more, and helped with 46 line break assists. Initially starting the season at left centre, Wighton later shifted to the halves alongside Cody Walker, with the Rabbitohs going onto win six out of seven games. The ability to switch roles is a huge asset for the club, with Wighton’s competitive spirit proving crucial for the team having dealt with a stack of injuries and suspensions throughout the season. The Jack Rayner Players’ Player award is awarded to the winner following the collection of players’ player votes after each match of the season by Rabbitohs Head of Football, Mark Ellison. The Players' Player award is named after legendary Rabbitohs player and coach, Jack Rayner. Rayner won five Premierships with South Sydney in six seasons in the Club's golden era between 1950 and 1955, as both captain and captain/coach. His legacy at the Rabbitohs lives on to this day, remembered as an honest, tough, hardworking forward during the days when some of the most brutal Rugby League was played. Congratulations to Jack Wighton on winning his first Jack Rayner Players’ Player award in 2024.
John Sattler Rookie Of The Year - Jye Gray
Rabbitohs fullback Jye Gray has been awarded the 2024 John Sattler Rookie of the Year award at tonight’s (Friday’s) Red and Green Ball. This award recognises Gray’s outstanding performances in his debut season in the NRL. Gray made his NRL debut with the Club in round six when the Rabbitohs took on the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks at Accor Stadium. The young back played thirteen games in his first year at the NRL level and recorded 1850 run metres. His impact in attack was further highlighted by seven tries and two try assists, all achieved within his 13 games played this season. Gray stamped himself as the leading prospect amongst the young Rabbitohs group establishing themselves in first grade at South Sydney throughout the 2024 season, hence the recognition for his efforts with this award. Gray quickly stood out as a top prospect among the young players at the Rabbitohs. His efforts, skill, and potential made him a clear candidate for the John Sattler Rookie of the Year award. The Rookie of the Year award is named after one of South Sydney’s most inspirational players of all time in the form of the legendary John Sattler. Sattler captained the Rabbitohs to four Premiership victories in five years from 1967 to 1971, including the famous 1970 Grand Final in which he played for 77 minutes of the game with a jaw broken in three places. Gray was presented his award by Souths Juniors President, Keith McCraw. Congratulations to Jye Gray for a stellar debut season and for earning this well-deserved recognition. His future at South Sydney looks bright.
Roy Asotasi Members' Choice Award - Cameron Murray
Rabbitohs captain Cameron Murray has claimed the Roy Asotasi Members' Choice Award for the fourth consecutive year in 2024, and for the fifth time throughout his career. With over 1,700 votes received from the Rabbitohs Members, over 30% of the votes were in favour of Cameron, closely followed by Damien Cook and Jack Wighton. Murray finished the year with 14 appearances in red and green, scoring two tries, recording one try assist, two line breaks, averaging 104 running metres per game, 575 tackles and 24 tackle breaks. Murray's consistent performance earned him a spot in the New South Wales team for the 2024 State of Origin series The Members’ Choice Award was presented by Member Co. Director and former Rabbitohs captain, Michael Andrews at tonight’s (Friday’s) Red and Green Ball. The Award is named after former Rabbitohs, New Zealand and Samoa captain, Roy Asotasi, who played an integral part in attracting key signings to the Club when he joined South Sydney in 2007. The Award was named in his honour in 2013. Congratulations to Cameron Murray on winning his 5th Members’ Choice in 2024.
Burrow Appreciation Award - Jai Arrow
Rabbitohs second-rower Jai Arrow has won the The Burrow Appreciation Award for 2024, awarded by Rabbitohs supporter group, The Burrow. Arrow's resilience and tenacity were on full display after he sustained a shoulder injury in the opening game of the season against Manly-Warringah in Las Vegas. Despite missing some games at the start of the season, he returned in round eight against the Storm and continued to play through significant pain until round 19, when he underwent season-ending shoulder surgery. Throughout the 2024 season, Arrow consistently ranked among the Rabbitohs’ top performers, earning him this special recognition from The Burrow. Known for never giving up on the field, Arrow has become a fan favourite and an important figure at the Club. With 150 NRL games under his belt, as well as representing Queensland in State of Origin, Arrow's contributions both on and off the field have made him a key part of the Rabbitohs family. His lively personality and larrikin spirit have further won the hearts of the supporters. The Burrow Appreciation Award was presented by The Burrow member Michelle Booth at tonight’s (Friday’s) Red and Green Ball at The Star in Pyrmont. Congratulations to Jai Arrow on receiving his first The Burrow Appreciation Award!
Bob McCarthy Clubman of The Year - Ben Lovett
Rabbitohs forward Ben Lovett has won the Bob McCarthy Clubperson of the Year award for season 2024, being recognised for his contributions to the team and the Club, both on and off the field. Ben’s journey this year has been marked by resilience, determination, and a constant commitment to the values of the Rabbitohs—brave, unbreakable, and belonging. Ben’s year has not been without challenges. Faced with a career-threatening injury, Ben’s response to adversity has been beyond impressive. Whilst undergoing a difficult rehabilitation process, Ben has never lost sight of his role within the team and has remained an exceptional teammate, providing support and encouragement, even when he couldn’t contribute on the field. His perseverance, positive attitude, and selfless dedication to others have truly set him apart. Ben has faced adversity with courage and turned challenges into opportunities for growth. His community work, combined with his commitment to rehabilitation, highlights a player who is not only driven to succeed but also dedicated to making a meaningful difference off the field. The Bob McCarthy Clubperson of the Year award was presented by Rabbitohs legend Bob McCarthy himself at the annual Red and Green Ball tonight (Friday) at The Star in Pyrmont. Congratulations to Ben Lovett on receiving the 2024 Bob McCarthy Clubperson of the Year award.
Player Milestones Honoured
2024 South Sydney Annual Mens Pathways Player Awards
28th August 2024
This Sunday marked a special occasion for the South Sydney Rabbitohs as we celebrated the achievements of our promising young players in the Senior Male Pathways Awards. The awards ceremony showcased the talent and dedication within our Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup teams, highlighting individuals who have shown exceptional skills and sportsmanship throughout the season. Each recipient demonstrated outstanding performance and leadership, essential qualities that embody the spirit of the Rabbitohs. Our pathways programs continue to develop the next generation of talent with the ultimate goal of transitioning these young stars to our first-grade team. We are incredibly proud of all our awardees and look forward to their continued growth and success in the Rabbitohs family.
Reserve Grade(NSW Cup) - Player of the Year - Ryan Gray
Congratulations to Ryan Gray on his award on behalf of everyone connected to South Sydney and the Elite Pathways Program.
Reserve Grade(NSW Cup) - Players Player of The Year - Ryan Gray
Halfback Ryan Gray has won the Rabbitohs’ NSW Cup Players’ Player award. Congratulations to Ryan Gray on his award on behalf of everyone connected to South Sydney and the Elite Pathways Program.
Reserve Grade(NSW Cup) - Best Back - Bayleigh Bentley-Hape
Reserve Grade(NSW Cup) - Best Forward - Adam Christensen
U21s(Jersey Flegg Cup) - Player of the Year - Louis Grossemy
Congratulations to Louis Grossemy on his award on behalf of everyone connected to South Sydney and the Elite Pathways Program.
U21s(Jersey Flegg Cup) - Players Player of The Year - Carson Kaho
Rabbitohs under 21s player Carson Kaho has been judged by his teammates as the season’s best player, taking out the Jersey Flegg Players’ Player award. Congratulations to Carson Kaho on his award on behalf of everyone connected to South Sydney and the Elite Pathways Program.
U21s(Jersey Flegg Cup) - Best Back - Carson Kaho
U21s(Jersey Flegg Cup) - Best Forward - Toby Sullivan
2024 South Sydney Annual Junior Pathways Player Awards
15th May 2024
Last night, the Junior Pathways Award Night 2024 shone a spotlight on the brightest up-and-coming talents within the Rabbitohs’ pathways. Celebrating exceptional performances across the Lisa Fiaola, Tarsha Gale, Harold Matts and SG Ball competitions, the event recognised the dedication and hard work of our future stars.
U19s(SG Ball Cup) - Player of the Year(Best & Fairest) - Matthew Humphries
U19s(SG Ball Cup) - Players Player - Yasin Kuscu
U19s(SG Ball Cup) - Most Consistent - Sam Taylor
U17s(Harold Matthews Cup) - Player of the Year(Best & Fairest) - Darcy Feltham
U17s(Harold Matthews Cup) - Players Player - Taj Aufai Farani
U17s(Harold Matthews Cup) - Most Consistent - Tanner Mahon
Junior Pathways Club Person of the Year - Tania Jecentho-McKay
2024 South Sydney Annual Womens Pathways Player Awards
14th September 2024
Womens - Player of the Year - Kiana Takairangi
Congratulations to Kiana Takairangi on her award on behalf of everyone connected to South Sydney and the Elite Pathways Program.
Womens - Players Player of The Year - Maddie Studdon
Congratulations to Maddie Studdon on her award on behalf of everyone connected to South Sydney and the Elite Pathways Program.
Womens - Best Back - Shanelle Lyons
Womens - Best Forward - Nancy Sullivan
Womens U19s(Tarsha Gale Cup) - Player of the Year(Best & Fairest) - Mikayla Langer
Womens U19s(Tarsha Gale Cup) - Players Player - Shanelle Lyons
Womens U19s(Tarsha Gale Cup) - Most Consistent - Jamiah Hunt
Womens U17s(Lisa Fiaola Cup) - Player of the Year(Best & Fairest) - Hannah Kalland
Womens U17s(Lisa Fiaola Cup) - Players Player - Tahlya Dower
Womens U17s(Lisa Fiaola Cup) - Most Consistent - Kiara McGregor
Souths Cares Award - Ben Lovett
Rabbitohs forward Ben Lovett has earned the Souths Cares Award for Most Outstanding Contributions to the Community for 2024. Ben stood out this year for his unwavering commitment to, and sheer volume of, community activities he supported. Whilst playing in the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup Grand Final in September 2023, Ben sustained a significant knee injury. Whilst his rehabilitation process has been a long and ongoing journey for him, he has continued to have a positive outlook despite the adversity he has faced. Ben has used his time away from playing Rugby League to immerse himself in community programs and promote junior participation in the sport. Ben has supported many community initiatives this year including assisting Souths Cares’ Regional Tour to the NSW North Coast, supporting Souths Cares Junior League Clinics, co-facilitating the NRL’s Road to Regions Initiative with NRL game development staff, travelling to Papua New Guinea to facilitate workshops with Alex Johnston and Sean Keppie, visiting schools and delivering Rugby League clinics to promote the game. In addition to his club commitments, Ben actively supports a wide range of community and educational initiatives. He serves as an Ambassador and Mentor for Goal College, participated in a regional trip to Brewarrina to support marginalised youth, and runs his own football clinics while promoting Junior League participation across regional NSW. Ben was also the Rabbitohs nominee for the NRL Ken Stephen Medal, nominated for going above and beyond in his involvement in charity work, youth development and community support. A true champion off the field, Ben’s work with both the Rabbitohs and beyond showcases his commitment to giving back, making him not only a valuable player but also a role model for the Rugby League community. Ben was presented with his Souths Cares award by the CEO of Souths Cares, Alisha Parker-Elrez, at tonight's (Friday's) Red and Green Ball awards night. Congratulations to Ben Lovett on winning the Souths Cares Award for most outstanding contributions to the community.
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