Vote now for One New Zealand Warriors winger Dallin Watene-Zeleniak for the Ken Stephen Medal, the prestigious man of the year community award.
Watene-Zelezniak is among the 17 players nominated by their clubs recognising the outstanding work do to help uplift their communities.
His citation reads: “Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is a respected leader who consistently gives back to community, youth and charitable initiatives. Through his work with the Warriors Community Foundation, he engages in school visits, wellbeing talks and inclusive sports events, connecting meaningfully with tamariki and rangatahi. Off the field, he supports causes like Make-A-Wish, Starship Hospital and food banks. As a proud Māori, Tongan and Polish man, he leads with cultural pride and a sense of responsibility and encourages fellow players to make a difference by being genuine, present and community-minded.”
Among the other nominees are four former Warriors in Josh Curran (Bulldogs), Kodi Nikorima (Dolphins), Kieran Foran (Titans) and Eliesa Katoa (Storm).
The 2025 Community Team of the Year is:
Jock Madden (Brisbane Broncos)
Josh Papalii (Canberra Raiders)
Josh Curran (Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs)
Cameron McInnes (Cronulla Sutherland Sharks)
Kodi Nikorima (Dolphins)
Kieran Foran (Gold Coast Titans)
Tom Trbojevic (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles)
Eliesa Katoa (Melbourne Storm)
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (One New Zealand Warriors)
Dylan Lucas (Newcastle Knights)
Sam McIntyre (North Queensland Cowboys)
Jack Williams (Parramatta Eels)
Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers)
Jai Arrow (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Ryan Couchman (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Billy Smith (Sydney Roosters)
Jahream Bula (Wests Tigers)
The 2025 Ken Stephen Medal – Man of the Year presented by Westpac recognises the genuine contributions an NRL player has made not only on the field, but their positive impact in their local community.
The winner of the fan vote will come away with $1000 to give back to their junior rugby league club and a charity, as well as becoming an automatic finalist for the Ken Stephen Medal – Man of the Year.
Voting is open until 7.00pm NZT on July 3, 2025, so get in now to vote for DWZ.
The Ken Stephen Medal - Man of the Year will be announced in grand final week alongside the Veronica White Medal - Woman of the Year.