The Ken Stephen Medal is a prestigious National Rugby League (NRL) award recognizing an NRL player who not only excels on the field but also dedicates significant time to community service efforts off the field. It honors players who are deeply involved in charity work, youth development, and community support. The medal highlights a player's outstanding contribution to making a positive impact through volunteerism and advocacy beyond their sporting achievements. The award has been presented annually since 1988, starting with Wayne Pearce as the inaugural recipient, and has recognized many notable players for their outstanding community contributions. It is considered one of the top honors in rugby league for off-field community service. The medal is awarded during the NRL Community Awards and is closely followed by the NRL community and fans. Recently, Gold Coast Titans veteran Kieran Foran won the 2025 Ken Stephen Medal for his exceptional dedication to mental health advocacy, youth mentorship, and support for people with disabilities, among other significant community contributions. Other recent winners include Nicho Hynes in 2024, Latrell Mitchell in 2023, and Cody Walker in 2022. The medal continues to celebrate players who lead by example in both sport and service to their communities.
