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There were those who wanted out, those who were pushed out and those who were frozen out. The rugby league news cycle was in overdrive in season 2025.

Some were bullied, others were bashed. Some drank from toilets, others drank from the fountain of youth.

We pay tribute to the magic, madness and mayhem in this year’s edition of the Herald’s end-of-season awards.

Terrell May against the Knights.Credit: Getty Images

The verdict: Given Mark Nawaqanitawase played one NRL game in 2024, he’s been ruled ineligible for this category, opening the door for Terrell May to claim the title as the recruit of the year. He has been consistently one of the Wests Tigers’ best players, showing he has one of the best motors of any middle forward in the competition.

2024 winner: Stephen Crichton (Bulldogs)
2023 winner: Reece Walsh (Broncos)

Parramatta fullback Isaiah Iongi.Credit: Getty Images

The verdict: At around $300,000 in season 2025, Iongi has provided the Eels with great value for money. He joined the club from the Penrith Panthers under enormous pressure following the decision of rookie coach Jason Ryles to move on from fan favourite Clint Gutherson. He has repaid that faith and given Eels fans plenty of hope for a bright future.

2024 winner: Bronson Xerri (Bulldogs)
2023 winner: J’maine Hopgood (Eels)

English recruit Lewis Dodd.Credit: NRL Images

The verdict: Was signed mid-way through last year to join the Bunnies in 2025 but was never given a look in. Wayne Bennett put a line through him in the pre-season and Dodd was hardly given a go despite a heavy injury toll at the club. He’s on a deal worth about $650,000 a season and has now been told he’s free to find a new home.

2024 winner: Jayden Sullivan (Wests Tigers)
2023 winner: Viliame Kikau (Bulldogs)

Honourable mention: Lachlan Ilias

Raiders fullback Kaeo Weekes.Credit: Getty Images

The verdict: Weekes enjoyed a breakout year in the nation’s capital, earning himself a lucrative contract extension that will see him earn about $900,000 a season in the latter years of his new deal.

2024 winner: Zac Lomax (Dragons)
2023 winner: Wayde Egan (Warriors)

Honourable mentions: Naufahu Whyte, Blayke Brailey, Thomas Jenkins

Leka Halasima has proven to be a wrecking ball for the Warriors.Credit: Getty Images

The verdict: The Warriors have unearthed a special talent. He’s fast, powerful, skilful and a future superstar of the game.

2024 winner: Lachlan Galvin (Wests Tigers)
2023 winner: Jahream Bula (Wests Tigers)

Dylan Brown has struggled under the spotlight in 2025.Credit: Getty Images

The verdict: Started the year by signing a mammoth 10-year deal with the Knights. He struggled to deal with the spotlight and the pressure of having to direct the team in the absence of Mitchell Moses. Was dropped from the team in the second half of the season for several weeks, with coach Jason Ryles opting to invest in the team’s youth over a player leaving the club.

2024 winner: Reece Walsh (Broncos)
2023 winner: Josh Schuster (Sea Eagles)

Honourable mentions: David Fifita, Kalyn Ponga, Latrell Mitchell, Nicho Hynes

The Manly Sea Eagles never hit their straps in 2025.Credit: Getty Images

The verdict: The Sea Eagles just never looked like getting it right. The season was derailed by injuries to key players and the circus surrounding Daly Cherry-Evans exit from the club he debuted with back in 2011. Anthony Seibold heads into 2026 under pressure to get things right.

2024 winner: Brisbane Broncos
2023 winner: South Sydney Rabbitohs

It’s been an incredible year for the Raiders.Credit: Getty Images

The verdict: The Raiders have been the feel-good story of the year. Few gave them a hope of getting near finals football, let alone winning the minor premiership. It’s a team full of excitement and young players who can be the face of success in the nation’s capital for years to come.

2024 winner: Canterbury Bulldogs
2023 winner: New Zealand Warriors

Lachlan Galvin has had a difficult year.Credit: Getty Images

The verdict: Won........

© The Age