In 2011, the NRL-RLPA Academic Team of the Year was created to honour the work players are doing to prepare themselves for life after football and promote the game’s commitment to providing further education and workplace training for players.
The criteria for selection is:
- Consistent NRL playing performances.
- Commitment and progress in an educational program that is preparing them for a post-footy career.
- A positive influence on the other players within their Club.
The awards have grown to include:
- Apprentice of the Year
- Trade Up Mentor of the Year
- Pasifika Academic Excellence
The award winners are selected by the NRL-RLPA Welfare and Education Committee in consultation with NRL and Club Welfare and Education staff.
2017 NRL Academic Team of the Year
- Tom Opacic, Brisbane Broncos
Bachelor of Sports & Exercise Science - Chad Townsend, Cronulla Sharks
Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning - Damien Cook, South Sydney Rabbitohs
Bachelor of Education - Jacob Host, St George Dragons
Bachelor of Exercise & Sports Science - John Asiata, Cowboys
Diploma of Financial Planning, Completed Cert IV in Youth Worki - Christian Welch, Melbourne Storm
Bachelor of Commerce - Anthony Don, Gold Coast Titans
Master of Business - Tim Mannah, Parramatta Eels
Bachelor of Sports Business, Completed a Diploma of Financial Planning - Jamie Buhrer, Newcastle Knights
Bachelor of Sports Business - Ava Seumanufagai, Wests Tigers
Bachelor of Psychology - Tom Trbojevic, Manly Sea Eagles
Bachelor of applied Finance with Bachelor of Economics - Luke Keary, Roosters
Bachelor of Business Administration - Michael Lichaa, Canterbury Bulldogs
Cert IV in building & Construction
2017 NYC Academic Team of the Year
- Patrick Carrigan, Brisbane Broncos
Bachelor of Physiotherapy - Billy Magoulias, Cronulla Sharks
Bachelor of Business - Joseph Tramontana, Canterbury Bulldogs
Bachelor of Health Science (Health & Physical Education) - Stuart Mason, St George Dragons
Bachelor of Exercise Science - Liam Martin, Penrith Panthers
Bachelor of Science - Mitchell Dunn, North Queensland Cowboys
Bachelor of Education - Tyronne Roberts-Davis, Gold Coast Titans
Certificate III in Carpentry - Joseph Ratuvakacereivalu, Sydney Roosters
Bachelor of Accounting - Eiden Ackland, New Zealand Warriors
Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Laws - Dane Aukafolau, Parramatta Eels
Certificate IV Education Support - Blake Manowski, South Sydney Rabbitohs
Bachelor of Medical Science - Royce Tout, Wests Tigers
Bachelor of Law - Harry Grant, Melbourne Storm
Certificate III in Electrical
2016 NRL Academic Team of Year
- Ian Henderson, Roosters
Completed a Diploma of Financial Planning - Ryan James, Titans
Currently completing a Bachelor Of Business - Jeremy Latimore, Panthers
Completed a Bachelor of Business - James Tedesco, Tigers
Currently completing a Bachelor Health & Exercise Science - Ryan Hoffman, Warriors
Currently completing a Bachelor of Business - Adam Blair, Broncos
Currently completing a Bachelor of Social Science - Michael Oldfield, Rabbitohs
Currently completing a Bachelor of Commerce - Daniel Mortimer, Titans
Completed a Bachelor of Education (Physical and Health Education) - Josh Jackson, Bulldogs
Currently completing a Bachelor of Exercise & Sports Science - Jake Trjbojevic, Sea Eagles
Completed a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Management - Russell Packer, Dragons
Currently completing a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting & Finance) - Daniel Alvaro, Eels
Currently completing a Bachelor of Business & Construction Management - Kurt Baptiste, Raiders
Currently completing a Bachelor of Engineering
2016 NYC Academic Team of Year
- Ben Nakubuwai, Storm
Currently completing a Bachelor of Exercise Science - Jacob Liddle, Tigers
Currently studying a Bachelor of Engineering - Johnny Tuivasa-Sheck, Roosters
Currently studying a Filmakers Intensive and completed a Cert IV in Graphic Design - Jayden Brailey, Sharks
Currently completing a Bachelor of Exercise & Sports Science - Angus Crichton, Rabbitohs
Currently studying a Bachelor of Arts Media and Communications - Sam Swift, Titans
Currently studying a Bachelor of Journalism - Nathan Cleary, Panthers
Currently completing a Bachelor of Arts Pathway to Secondary Teaching - Jack Payne, Dragons
Currently studying a Bachelor of Physical Health and Education - Jack Cogger, Knights
Currently completing a Bachelor of Social Science - Jack Morris, Eels
Currently completing a Bachelor of Physical Activity and Health Science - Jack Hickson, Raiders
Currently completing a Bachelor of Law and Business Administration - Max Elliott, Broncos
Currently completing a Bachelor of Sports & Exercise Science - Ross Bella, Cowboys
3rd Year Apprentice Electrician
2016 Indigenous & Pasifika Excellence Award
- Pasifika Academic Excellence and Leadership Award
Sam Tagataese & Ben Henry
- Indigenous Academic Excellence and Leadership Award
Ray Thompson & Dane Gagai
2015 NRL Academic Team of Year
- Sam Moa, Sydney Roosters
Currently studying a Certificate III in Building & Construction Cert iv Career Development - Joel Thompson, St George Dragons
Currently studying a Diploma of Community Services through TAFE Illawarra - George Rose, St George Dragons
Currently studying a Graduate Certificate in Commerce at the University of Sydney - Dale Finucane, Melbourne Storm
Currently studying a Bachelor of Health & Movement through Australian College of Physical Education - David Gower, Parramatta Eels
Currently completing his Cert IV in Career Development while commencing articulation into a Marketing Degree building on his Trade and Management qualifications - Rory Kostjasyn, North Queensland Cowboys
Completed : Cert III Sport and Rec, cert iii in fitness, cert iv personal training,cert iv in small business, cert iv frontline management - David Shillington, Canberra Raiders
Currently studying a Bachelor of Business at Canberra University - Luke Douglas, Gold Coast Titans
Currently studying a Assosiate degree in Surveying University of Southern Queensland - Brett Morris, Canterbury Bulldogs
Completed a Diploma of Business in 2012 & progressed to Bachelor of Business ( Finance) - James Tedesco, Wests Tigers
Currently studying a Health and Exercise Science at Australian Catholic University - Keith Galloway, Wests Tigers
Currently studying a cert iv in Career Development, completed Mental Health first aid course @ UWS - Siliva Havili, New Zealand Warriors
Completed a Bachelor of Health Science Degree majoring in Podiatry @ Auckland University of Technology - Todd Lowrie, Brisbane Broncos
Completed a Cert IV in Project Management & Cert iv in small business, Coordinator of the GOL across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane ACU campus’s
2015 NYC Academic Team of Year
- Toafofoa Sipley, New Zealand Warriors
Bachelor of Education @ Auckland University - Brandon Luamanu, Canterbury Bulldogs
Currently studying a Bachelor of Education @ Australian College of Physical Education - Will Pearsall, Manly Sea Eagles
Currently in his Second year of an Apprentice Carpentry Certificate - Jacob Host, St George Dragons
Currently studying Sport and Exercise Science at Australian Catholic University - Oliver Clark, Penrith Panthers
Currently studying a Bachelor of Physiotherapy @ Australian Catholic University - Jack Tuttle, Brisbane Broncos
Currently studying a Bachelor of Business @ Queensland University of Technology - Lachlan Lewis, Canberra Raiders
Currently studying a Bachelor of Engineering @ Australian National University - Shae AhFook, Melbourne Storm
Currently studying a Bachelor of Applied Science(Property and Valuation)( Honours) @ RMIT University - Tyrell Fuimaono, Parramatta Eels
Currently studying a Bachelor Business & Commerce at the University of Western Sydney - Hayden Schwass, Gold Titans
Currently in his 3rd year of Electrical Apprenticeship - Kieran Quabba, North Queensland Cowboys
Currently studying a Bachelor of Education @ James Cook University - Bradley Deitz, Cronulla Sharks
Bachelor of Health and Exercise Science- Australian Catholic University (3rd year)
Apprentice of the Year Award - Bradie Smith, Newcastle Knights
Commenced Clerk of Works (Cert IV Carpentry) ( 2015)
Completed cert iii in Carpentry ( 2014)
Established his own Building Company – Bradie Smith Carpentry
2015 Indigenous & Pasifika Excellence Award
- George Rose & Bronson Harrison
- Dene Halatau & Joel Thompson
2014 NRL Academic Team of Year
- Dale Finucane, Bulldogs
Bachelor of Health and Movement - Brent Tate, Cowboys
Cert iv Frontline Management - Jeremy Latimore, Panthers
Bachelor of Commerce - Ryan Simpkins, Panthers
Diploma in Hydraulics Design - Tom Symonds, Sea Eagles
Graduated Bachelor of Health and Exercise Science - Brenton Lawrence, Sea Eagles
Bachelor of Arts in International Studies completed - Siliva Havili, Warriors
Bachelor of Health Science – Podiatry - Robbie Rochow, Knights
Degree in Civil Engineering - Todd Lowrie, Broncos
Cert IV in Project Management & Cert iv in small business - Jason Nightingale, Dragons
Bachelor of Business Degree - David Shillington, Raiders
Bachelor of Business - Jason Clark, Rabbitohs
Cert III Fitness and Cert IV in Small Business - Ryan Hoffman, Storm
Bachelor of Business
2014 NYC Academic Team of Year
- Adam Elliott
Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy), Sydney University - Joshjua Tangitau
Degree in Exercise Sports Science, UWS - Corey Jensen
Degree in Sport & Exercise Science, JCU - Cheyne Whitelaw
Bachelor of Exercise Physiology, 1st year, UNSW - Jack Delaney – Captain this season
Bachelor of Business & Commerce, UWS - Mason Lino
Bachelor of Business, 3rd year, AUT - Mitch Sharp
Bachelor of Nursing, Griffith - Adam Clune
Degree in Law, UOW - Christian Welch
Bachelor Commerce degree, Melbourne - Andrew Heffernan
Bachelor of Sports Coaching & Exercise Science, UC - Lachlan Fitzgibbon
Bachelor of Construction Management , 2nd year, UoN - Nathan Milone
Bachelor of Business, UTS - Ben Chahoud
Carpentry Apprenticeship
2013 NRL Academic Team of Year
- Cameron Ciraldo, Penrith Panthers
Diploma of Business- Martin College - Tim Mannah, Parramatta Eels
Bachelor of Sports Business @ ACPE - Ray Thompson, North Queensland Cowboys
Plumbing Apprenticeship (completed) - Ashley Harrison, Gold Coast Titans
Diploma of Financial Planning (completed) @ Kaplin - Ben Henry, New Zealand Warriors
Completed Electrial Engineering degree - David Williams, Manly Sea Eagles
Diploma of Graphic Design @ Tafe NSW - Robbie Rochow, Newcastle Knights
Bachelor of Arts @ Newcastle University - David Stagg, Brisbane Broncos
Advanced Diploma of Civil Engineering ( completed) - Roy Asotasi, South Sydney Rabbitohs
Certificate iv Small Business@ ETC (completed) - Shaun Fensom, Canberra Raiders
Carpentry Apprenticeship - Dan Hunt, St George Illawarra Dragons
Bachelor of Education in PDHPE @ University of Wollongong - Nathan Fien, St George Illawarra Dragons
Diploma of Management @ AETS - Ryan Hoffman, Melbourne Storm
Bachelor of Business @ Open Universities - Josh Jackson, Canterbury Bulldogs
Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science @ Newcastle University - Joel Reddy, Wests Tigers
Bachelor of Health and Exercise Science @ UNSW (completed) - Ben Ross, Cronulla Sharks
Bachelor of Health Science @ UWS - Daniel Mortimer, Sydney Roosters
Bachelor of Education @ ACPE
2012 NRL Academic Team of Year
- Luke Burt, Eels
Bachelor of Health & Movement @ ACPE - David Simmons, Panthers
Bachelor of Theology @ Moore College - Ashley Graham, Cowboys
Bachelor of sports science @ JamesCook University - Chris Lawrence, Tigers
Bachelor of Business @ Monash University - Dale Copley, Broncos
Bachelor of Pharmacy @ University of Queensland - Ashley Harrison, Titans
Diploma of Financial planning & Small Business - John Morris, Sharks
Bachelor of Education at Newcastle University, - Corey Payne, Bulldogs
Masters of Commerce @ Sydney University - Matt Ballin, Sea Eagles
Bachelor of Health & Movement @ ACPE - Matt Scott, Cowboys
Bachelor of Business via Open Universities Australia - Ben Creagh, Dragons
Bachelor of Economics @ University of Wollongong - Scott Geddes, South’s
Cert iv in Small business - Michael Luck, Warriors
Masters of Business @ Auckland University - Ryan James, Titans
Bachelor of Business @ Griffith University - Anthony Quinn, Storm
Certificate IV in Building and Construction. - Joel Reddy, Tigers
Bachelor of Health and Exercise Science @ University of NSW - Bronson Harrison, Raiders
Completed Cert 3 & 4 Fitness
2011 NRL Academic Team of Year
- William Zillman, Gold Coast Titans
Bachelor of Business - James McManus, Newcastle Knights
Advanced Diploma of Property Services – Valuation - Jerome Ropati, Warriors
Graduate Diploma in Business - Chris Lawrence, Wests Tigers
Studying Bachelor of Commerce - Sam Perrett, Sydney Roosters
Completed Certificate III in Carpentry, currently completing Certificate IV in Building and Construction and Diploma of Management - Preston Campbell, Gold Coast Titans
Certificate III and IV in Youth Work - Robbie Farah, Wests Tigers
Bachelor of Commerce - Corey Payne , Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Bachelor of Commerce (accounting and commercial law majors) - Matt Ballin, Manly Sea Eagles
Studying Bachelor of Education - Jason King, Manly Sea Eagles
Studying Bachelor of Business /Law - Ben Creagh, St George Illawarra Dragons
Studying Bachelor of Commerc - Paul Gallen, Cronulla Sharks
Qualified plumber, Certificate IV in Financial Planning - Andrew Ryan, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Studying Bachelor of Sports Business at ACPE - Bryan Norrie, Melbourne Storm
Certificate III in Hospitality, in Fitness and in Sport and Recreation, completing electrician apprenticeship - Ashley Graham, North Queensland Cowboys
Certificate III in Sports Administration - Michael Weyman, St George Illawarra Dragons
Diploma if Business - Nick Kenny, Brisbane Broncos
Bachelor of Physiotherapy