Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have nominated prop Brenton Lawrence for the 2016 Ken Stephen Medal.
Voting has opened to select the 2016 Ken Stephen Medallist, with fans encouraged to select the player they believe best reflects leadership qualities befitting of the medal.
The Ken Stephen Medal will be awarded during the 2016 Dally M Awards and recognises the efforts of an NRL player who has not only achieved success and leadership on-field, but contributed to community projects off-field to make a positive difference and change.
2016 Ken Stephen Medal nominees are:
Darius Boyd – Brisbane Broncos
Sia Soliola – Canberra Raiders
Moses Mbye – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Paul Gallen – Cronulla Sharks
William Zillman – Gold Coast Titans
Brenton Lawrence – Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Nelson Asofa Solomona – Melbourne Storm
Trent Hodkinson – Newcastle Knights
John Asiata – North Queensland Cowboys
Tim Mannah – Parramatta Eels
Trent Merrin – Penrith Panthers
Joel Thompson – St George Illawarra Dragons
Kane Evans – Sydney Roosters
James Gavet – New Zealand Warriors
Dene Halatau – Wests Tigers
All Ken Stephen Medal nominees this year will be officially congratulated and recognised at the 2016 NRL Community Awards, with nominees forming the inaugural NRL Community Team of the Year.
To find out more on all Ken Stephen nominees and to vote, head to NRL.Com/KenStephenMedal
Why Brenton Lawrence was nominated
Season 2016 has been tough for Brenton Lawrence as a number of injuries hampered his campaign, but not once did he let that stop him from being an exemplarily ambassador and role model for various events and charities all over Australia.
A proud NRL State of Mind Ambassador, Brenton filled his time off the paddock with a number of speaking and media events and programs to tackle the issue of mental health in Australia, encouraging people to speak up and seek help if they feel the pressure of life.
Among the charities Brenton has used his profile and time to assist in 2016 included ASPECT (Autism Spectrum Australia), White Ribbon and Wild Animal Encounters with Ben Brittan. He has also hosted the Pilbara representative team, spending time with them to educate the value of inclusiveness and the importance of valuing heritage and community.
Spending time growing up and playing rugby league in South Australia, Brenton has always a passionate supporter for growing the game and often assists SANRL with promoting local competitions and clubs.
A proud clubman and loved by all on the Northern Beaches, this is the second time Brenton has been nominated for the prestigious Ken Stephen Medal.
