Joe Tapine has etched his name into Canberra Raiders folklore, becoming the first player in the club’s history to win four consecutive Meninga Medals as NRL Player of the Year.
The captain’s dominance was confirmed on awards night, where NRLW co-captain Simaima Taufa also continued her remarkable streak by collecting her third straight top honour.
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No Raider before him, Tapine managed four in a row, underscoring his consistency and influence at the heart of the Green Machine. Taufa, meanwhile, maintained her own legacy, having been crowned in the club’s inaugural NRLW campaign in 2023 and again last season.
Life membership honours for 300-game icons
The evening was also defined by celebration of longevity. Club legends Jason Croker, Jarrod Croker and Josh Papalii, the only three men to reach the 300-game milestone in Raiders colours, were all inducted as Life Members. Their elevation takes the tally to just 13 in the club’s long history.
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Other standout honours included Corey Horsburgh and Simi Sasagi jointly winning the NRL Coaches’ Award, and Savelio Tamale being named the Peter Mulholland NRL Rookie of the Year after a breakthrough campaign.
On the NRLW side, Jordyn Preston claimed the Coaches’ Award in her debut season, while 18-year-old fullback Elise Simpson was recognised as Rookie of the Year.
Long-time servant Andrew Bishop, the Raiders’ NRL Wellbeing Manager, was named Fred Daly Club Person of the Year, rounding out an evening that highlighted both individual brilliance and lifelong contributions to the Green Machine.