NRL

Melbourne forward Cooper Clarke has been crowned RLPA Players’ Rookie of the Year — as voted by NRL players.

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Clarke was announced as the winner during Monday night’s 100% Footy episode — with the award being presented by Select Cards.

The 20-year-old is the second Storm player to win the award after Cameron Munster, with team-mate Harry Grant winning it while at Wests Tigers.

He won the award by receiving more votes than the fellow finalists — Francis Manuleleua, Oliver Pascoe, Ethan Sanders, and Setu Tu.

“On behalf of the RLPA I would like to congratulate Cooper Clarke on winning the Players’ Rookie of the Year,” said
Clint Newton, CEO of the RLPA.

“There are not many higher recognitions in sport than to be voted by the players you compete against each week.

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“Cooper has made an outstanding impression in his first season in the NRL. To establish yourself and playing week in,
week out in the competition as a rookie takes enormous commitment, resilience and consistency. Cooper has shown
all of those qualities throughout 2026.

“His performances have earned the respect of his peers, and this award is a strong reflection of the impact he has
had in such a short period of time.

“I would also like to congratulate and thank all the rookies from the 2026 NRL season, in particular the four other
Finalists Francis, Oliver, Ethan and Setu. The players are central to the game, and each season needs a new
generation to step up and take their opportunity.

“All of this year’s rookies should be proud of what they have achieved in making it to the NRL, and I wish them, and
Cooper, all the very best for the seasons ahead.”

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Players’ Rookie of the Year — List of Winners NRL and NRLW

Note: NRLW award commenced in 2021

• 2026 Cooper Clarke (NRLW winner announced Wednesday)
• 2025 Shalom Sauaso & Mark Nawaqanitawase
• 2024 Rory Owen & Lachlan Galvin
• 2023 Annessa Biddle & Jahream Bula
• 2022 Gayle Broughton & Jeremiah Nanai
• 2021 Destiny Brill & Reece Walsh
• 2020 Harry Grant
• 2019 Payne Haas
• 2018 Victor Radley
• 2017 Nick Cotric
• 2016 Cody Walker
• 2015 Cameron Munster
• 2014 Luke Brooks
• 2013 George Burgess
• 2012 Josh Mansour & Adam Reynolds
• 2011 Daly Cherry-Evans
• 2010 Trent Hodkinson
• 2009 Josh Dugan
• 2008 David Williams
• 2007 Michael Jennings
• 2006 Darius Boyd
• 2005 Ben Smith
• 2004 Sonny Bill Williams