Four players with a love of their club and a strong connection with their community have been shortlisted as this year’s Ken Stephen Medal finalists.
Drawn from this year’s inspiring contingent of nominees who formed the 2025 NRL Community Team of the Year, Jai Arrow (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Josh Curran (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Kieran Foran (Gold Coast Titans) and Billy Smith (Sydney Roosters) have all been highlighted for their exceptional contributions off the field to community service.
From volunteering to assist the homeless, to advocating for disability inclusion, for leadership in Indigenous advocacy, supporting paediatric palliative care and promoting the importance of mental health awareness – all four players have gone above and beyond for their community.
Established in 2007, the NRL Community Awards presented by Westpac 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.
Ken Stephen Medal 2025 finalists
Jai Arrow – South Sydney Rabbitohs
Jai Arrow has demonstrated dedication to community work across his NRL career. Motivated by personal experiences, Jai supports a wide range of causes including youth development, disability inclusion, homelessness and Indigenous advocacy. Through his club role and beyond, Jai regularly volunteers with Vinnies Food Vans and What Ability and leads teammates in community service. Jai’s positive influence reaches over 100,000 students through wellbeing programs, and his selfless, inclusive actions exemplify the values of the NRL.
Josh Curran – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Josh Curran, a proud Indigenous man and Bulldogs player, is a standout leader in community engagement both within and beyond club commitments. He’s actively involved in initiatives such as the Bulldogs School Blitz, Deadly Choices and RSPCA NSW. Josh initiated outreach programs with NSW Police and NASCA, visiting schools and juvenile centres to support youth, particularly Indigenous Australians. His consistency, humility and drive have made a lasting impact across NSW. Deeply motivated by cultural pride and a sense of responsibility, Josh leads with heart and purpose, embodying the NRL’s values of inclusion, unity, positivity and discipline.
Kieran Foran – Gold Coast Titans
Kieran Foran is a respected 17-year NRL veteran whose community work spans multiple clubs and causes. Since joining the Titans in 2023, he has become a passionate advocate for youth mental health through his partnership with the Top Blokes Foundation and by launching Logan’s Legacy. Kieran consistently goes beyond club commitments — visiting hospitals, supporting players with disabilities, mentoring youth and leading ANZAC tributes. His openness about personal struggles with mental health and addiction has broken stigmas and inspired others to seek help. His lasting community impact make him an outstanding role model and Ken Stephen Medal nominee.
Billy Smith – Sydney Roosters
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. He embodies the NRL’s values using his platform to amplify unheard voices. Despite injury setbacks, Billy remains deeply involved, inspiring teammates and fans with his leadership, compassion and commitment to making a real difference.
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