The National Rugby League is proud to announce the nominees for the 2022 Veronica White Medal - Woman of the Year, which recognises the efforts of a player who has not only excelled on the field but has dedicated time off the field to make a positive difference.
Kennedy Cherrington (Eels), Millie Boyle (Knights) and Steph Hancock (Titans) were announced as the finalists for this year's award as part of the 2022 Dally M Awards in Sydney on Wednesday.
In addition to the $1,000 each finalist has received to give back to their junior rugby league club, Hancock has raised an additional $3,500 for her junior club — the Eastern Suburbs Hornets — after being announced as the winner of the fan vote.
The winner of this year's will be announced at the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final and presented with the award by Veronica White herself.
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.
2022 will be the fourth instance that the Veronica White Medal - Woman of the Year has been awarded, in line with the NRLW Premiership.
2022 Veronica White Medal finalists
Millie Boyle (Knights)
Millie has enthusiastically embraced all opportunities to be part of the Knight’s community work, from hospital visits to community events including volunteering her voice and personal experience at a Butterfly Foundation panel presentation. It was clear Millie made a significant impact on the audience, inspiring them to love ‘the skin they are in’, reminding them of the importance of personal appreciation and acceptance. In addition to giving her time to these important community activities, Millie’s most significant and impactful community service is to those living with disability. So fiercely dedicated and passionate to the cause, Millie started the Game Changer program to help people realise their full potential. In six months, Millie has delivered seven Game Changer workshops throughout NSW and Queensland, positively impacting more than two hundred program participants, as well as their family and friends.
Steph Hancock (Titans)
As a household name, Stephanie has paved the way for young females wanting to play rugby league. Her focus on the participation of females in the game ensures Stephanie is often in the community running development programs, junior female academies and promoting female participation in rugby league. Stephanie created a woman’s rugby league charity match for drought-stricken communities, raising $10,000 for drought relief while promoting women in league.
Kennedy Cherrington (Eels)
Overcoming adversity as a child with a heart disease, Kennedy is committed to dedicating her time to give back to charities and organisations that helped her overcome heart disease, allowing her to play the game she loves - rugby league. Kennedy proudly supports several charities and special fundraiser events. These include; Heart Kids Charity, “2 Feet and a Heartbeat” walk and a Superhero Day fundraiser as well as attending a telethon fundraiser for SweetHeart Day, single-handedly raising the most money.
