Rhiannon Byers awarded prestigious NRL honour

A girl from the Moree Plains is now the toast of the NRL after claiming one of the league’s prestigious honours.

Sharks second-rower Rhiannon Byers, who grew up in Pallamallawa, was announced as the 2025 Veronica White Medallist at the Dally M awards held in Sydney. The medal recognises women who have made outstanding contributions to their local communities and beyond while playing in the NRLW competition.

Byers mentors hundreds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth through Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation, promoting cultural connection and personal growth. She is also a passionate mental health advocate.

“This award isn’t just a celebration of what has been done, but a reminder of the responsibility that comes with it,” Byers said on stage, as reported by the Sharks. “I’m committed to continuing the work, lifting others up and making a meaningful impact wherever I can.

“Before I finish, I would like to leave something to think about. Mental health affects all of us, at every age. Whether you’re a child, Elder, athlete, parent or a community worker, mental wellbeing is something we all carry. Too often we stay silent out of fear of being judged or misunderstood. But there is no weakness in speaking up and there is no shame in asking for help. Reaching out is strength and starting a conversation can change a life.”

The Cronulla-Sutherland team had earlier announced it had nominated Byers for the honour.

“Working in the community and working for Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation has been really important to me,” Byers said upon being nominated, as reported on the Sharks’ media platform.

“Going into schools every day and seeing the kids grow… When I first started, they were really disconnected with community and our culture.

“Seeing them growing and finding who they are as individuals has been really fulfilling for me. It’s also been helping me with my cultural journey.

“I love every day that go into work.”

Byers encouraged other NRLW players to immerse themselves in local initiatives, saying it brings about a “sense of belonging” to one’s club and region.

“I’m not from the Shire – I’m from Moree, NSW,” the Sharks reported at the time.

“Moving here, I wanted to get more involved in the community. Sharks Have Heart are also very good at community work and I love what they do. With Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation being involved in collaborations with the Sharks, it’s been another thing that I love to do and strive for.”

As the winner of the Veronica White Medal, Byers receives $2000 for her club and $2000 for a charity of her choice. Following on from her success at the Dally M night, Byers was the recipient of a Sharks Have Heart Community Award at the club’s Porter Gallen Medal evening.