Cronulla forward Jason Stevens has been rewarded for his work off the rugby league field, winning the Ken Stephen Medal at the NRL grand final breakfast.
The retiring ex-Test frontrower has personally raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charities, with his testimonial dinner alone securing more than $100,000 for Youth Mission Team, which supports the character development of Australian teenagers.
Stevens has also worked extensively with the Sharks club chaplain raising awareness about youth suicide.
The Ken Stephen Medal is awarded to a player who is not only widely recognised for his dedication on the NRL field, but also for his contribution to the community.
Rod Jensen (North Queensland), Michael Monaghan (Manly), Mark O'Meley (Bulldogs), Mark O'Neill (Wests Tigers) and 2004 winner Dean Widders (Parramatta Eels) were also nominated for the award.
NRL chief executive David Gallop said: "Jason's outgoing and friendly nature allows him to relate to people from all walks of life, kids in particular, and his ability as a footballer gives him the profile to deliver some important messages to youth
Past winners of the award include Dean Widders, David Peachey, Hazem El Masri, Wayne Pearce, Paul Harragon and Mark Coyne