The 2025 Jack Gibson Medal Awards

Author: Sydney Roosters
Timestamp: Thu 18 Sep 2025, 10:14 PM

Sydney Roosters Captain James Tedesco has capped off a stellar season by winning the 2025 Jack Gibson Medal for a record 7th time.

It has been a year to remember for the Roosters Captain, consistently standing tall in the biggest moments and courageously leading a young team by example.

Whether it was leading the NRL in tackle breaks and running metres, making try-saving tackles or setting up tries, his dedication to embracing the challenges and nailing the details has been recognised by his teammates and Coach Trent Robinson.

A record seven-time winner of the Club’s most coveted award, Tedesco featured in 25 of the Roosters’ games this season, scoring 11 tries while setting up 22 more, and averaging 194 hard-earned run metres per match.

James Tedesco | Jack Gibson Medalist

Mark Nawaqanitawase Awarded Try of the Year

Exciting recruit Mark Nawaqanitawase has claimed his first Try of the Year award for his stunning acrobatic effort in Round 11 against the Bulldogs.

Nawaqanitawase, the NRL top try scorer in 2025 with 24 tries, was also announced as the RLPA’s Rookie of the Year.

Mark also placed 4th in tackle breaks, highlighting his attacking prowess.

Voted by Roosters Members, the Try of the Year Award celebrates the exciting attacking play of the Roosters throughout the season.

Mark Nawaqanitawase |Try of the Year

2025 Try of Year

James Tedesco Awarded Red Rooster Members Player Award

Championed by our Official Membership Partner, Red Rooster – the Members Player of the Year is voted by our Members at the end of the regular NRL Premiership season.

A season full of highlights and pure leadership, James Tedesco truly had a season to remember.

Averaging 194 Running Metres a game, scoring 11 tries, and leading the league in runs with 521, Teddy was seemingly everywhere!

James Tedesco | Members Player of the Year

Josh Durkin wins the Arthur Beetson Medal

The Arthur Beetson Medal for the Jersey Flegg Player of the Year is named in honour of Arthur Beetson, a true Club Legend.

Points for the award are voted by players, Head Coach and staff, as well as Club leadership.

Points are awarded to the player who shows significant match performance as well as commitment to the overall team performance.

The future is bright for Josh!

Darcy Smith Receives Chris Sykes Award

The Chris Sykes Junior Representative Player of the Year was initiated in 1995, and carries the name of the late Chris Sykes, one of the Club's elite junior players from the early 1990’s.

We look forward to seeing what Darcy will do in the 2026 season!

Benaiah Ioelu Claims Harry Phipps Rising Star

The Harry Phipps Rising Star award is presented to a player showing a significant physical and mental aptitude to play NRL football.

Chosen by Club coaching staff and the Leadership group, this award has had previous winners such as Sam Walker, Victor Radley, and Mitchell Aubusson.

Benaiah made his mark in the NRL this season, showcasing his strength, determination, and commitment every time he pulled on the Tricolours. From his powerful carries to his relentless effort in defence, Benaiah brought energy and impact that lifted his teammates and inspired Roosters fans.

His growth throughout the year is a testament to his hard work and resilience, and this season stands as an important milestone in what promises to be a bright future in the game.

Benaiah Ioelu | Harry Phipps Rising Star

Billy Smith Claims Community Award

Billy Smith has shown unwavering dedication to community work, particularly through his role as the inaugural ambassador for Rio’s Legacy, a charity supporting paediatric palliative care. Beyond his club commitments, Billy has advocated for greater support and awareness, contributed to major government outcomes, and regularly visited families and children in care.

Billy Smith | Community Award

Ben McIntosh Claims Barry Van Heekeran ‘Mocca’ Award

The Sydney Roosters Club MOCCA Award is named in honour of Barry Van Heekeren, who gave 50 years of service to the Club as a Coach, Player, Manager and Administrator.

The achievement is awarded to a staff member or official who has been a significant contributor to Club life and goes above and beyond at all levels.

This year’s winner was Sydney Roosters Sports Science Coordinator Ben McIntosh.

Ben enthusiastically represents the Club in every aspect of his many roles.

Sam Walker Claims the James Mathews Clubman of the Year

Voted by Sydney Roosters players and staff, Sam Walker has been awarded the James Mathews Clubman of the Year for his extensive contributions both on and off the field throughout season 2025.

A true team player, Walker contributes to all aspects of Club life and upholds the Club values. Sam plays the game with flair, toughness, and fairness, and is extremely dedicated to his self-improvement.

Always putting the Club first, Walker puts smiles on faces both on and off the field and has a general interest in the wider Club community.

Walker’s 2025 season was defined by composure, creativity, and clutch moments in the Tricolours. Steering the side with his sharp kicking game and vision, he consistently unlocked opposition defences. His fearless running and ability to rise in big matches reminded fans of his match-winning quality.

Walker’s resilience through challenges showcased his growth as a leader in the squad. It was a season that underlined his importance to the Roosters’ present and future.