The National Rugby League has today announced the nominees for this year's Ken Stephen Medal - Man of the Year, which recognises the efforts of an NRL player who has not only achieved on the field, but has committed time off the field to community projects.
For the Gold Coast Titans this year's nominee is Beau Fermor.
‘Repaying what they’ve done for me’: Fermor inspired to continually give back to grassroots
Each player is nominated by their NRL club for going above and beyond in their involvement in charity work, youth development or community support.
The Ken Stephen Medal - Man of the Year nominees form the annual NRL Community Team of the Year, recognising each nominee as part of an elite cohort for their contribution off the field to community service.
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Established in 2007, the NRL Community Awards have become the most significant opportunity for our game’s unsung heroes to receive the recognition and thanks they deserve for the tireless work they do in the community.
It also provides an opportunity for the NRL to acknowledge and celebrate the contribution that clubs, state leagues and both NRL and NRLW players make year on year.
This year will be the 35th instance that the Ken Stephen Medal will be awarded, with a host of worthy recipients receiving this prestigious award since Wayne Pearce won the inaugural medal in 1988 – including Ryan James, Joel Thompson, Jonathan Thurston, Nathan Hindmarsh and Ronaldo Mulitalo.
The NRL invites and encourages fans to vote for their favourite nominee for this year's award. Voting will run from July 5 to July 13 so get your votes in!
Click here to cast your vote!
The nominees for this year's Ken Stephen Medal - Man of the Year are:
Beau Fermor (Titans)
Beau Fermor has proven that even in the face of adversity, you can still make a significant impact in your community. Despite a devastating injury at the beginning of the year, Beau's spirit remained unbroken, and his dedication to service never wavered.
Beau has been a constant contributor to his community, particularly in the area of grassroots Rugby League. He has been an active assistant coach for his junior club, the Dalby Devils, despite the 7-hour round trip from the Gold Coast.
In addition to his work with the Dalby Devils, Beau also works with the local Junior Rugby League team, the Murwillumbah Colts.
Off the field, Beau has made a significant impact through his work with Cam's Cause, a charity organisation. He has been instrumental in organising fundraising efforts, helping to raise money and awareness for the cause. Beau's resilience and dedication to his community make him a deserving Gold Coast Titan’s Ken Stephen Medal – Man of the Year nominee.
The other NRL players nominated are listed below:
- Patrick Carrigan (Broncos)
- Jamal Fogarty (Raiders)
- Toby Sexton (Bulldogs)
- Toby Rudolf (Sharks)
- Tom Gilbert (Dolphins)
- Jayden Nikorima (Storm)
- Jacob Saifiti (Knights)
- Tohu Harris (Warriors)
- Jake Granville (Cowboys)
- Junior Paulo (Eels)
- Tyrone Peachey (Panthers)
- Latrell Mitchell (Rabbitohs)
- Blake Lawrie (Dragons)
- James Tedesco (Roosters)
- Api Koroisau (Wests Tigers)
