Coach Laurie Daley, who was struggling with his voice on stage, said it was disappointing to “not get the result we deserved” in what was his first series back in charge since 2017.
“But sometimes it takes a setback like that to put you on the right path,” Daley said.
Isaah Yeo, Lindsay Smith, Stephen Crichton and Lindsay Smith were among the other Blues to attend the event that honours the achievements of players and participants across all competitions around the state.
2025 Brad Fittler Medal winners
Brad Fittler Medal: Brian To’o (Penrith Panthers)
True Blue Award: Payne Haas (Brisbane Broncos)
The Daily Telegraph People’s Choice Award: Brian To’o (Penrith Panthers), Olivia Kernick (Sydney Roosters)
NSW Blues Women’s State of Origin Player of the Year: Olivia Kernick (Sydney Roosters)
NSW Blues Women’s Award: Abbi Church (Parramatta Eels)
NSW Under 19s State of Origin Player of the Match: Jacob Halangahu (St George Illawarra Dragons)
NSW Under 19s Women’s State of Origin Player of the Match: Tess McWilliams (Parramatta Eels)
The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup Player of the Year: Kalani Going (Warriors)
Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership Player of the Year: Monique Donovan (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
Jersey Flegg Cup Player of the Year: Preston Conn (Melbourne Storm)
Leagues Clubs Australia Ron Massey Cup Player of the Year: Joseph Nohra (Wentworthville Magpies), Taniela Lasalo (Hills Bulls)
Sydney Shield Player of the Year: Tallis Brown (Moorebank Rams)
Angus Crichton won last year’s Brad Fittler Medal, with To’o taking home the silverware in 2023.
To’o has 11 Origin tries, the same amount as Blues’ record-holders Josh Addo-Carr and Michael O’Connor.
Payne Haas, the only other Blues player who would have gone close to taking out the top gong, picked up the people’s choice award.
Roosters star Kernick was crowned best womens’ player, while first-year Blues fullback Abbi Church collected the NSW Blues Women’s Award.
Kernick took to the stage earlier in the night to accept the country championships’ player of the year prize for her brother, Jacob, “who can’t be here because he’s on Mad Monday”.
Latrell unlikely for Roosters grudge match
Michael Chammas
South Sydney superstar Latrell Mitchell is unlikely to be available for Friday night’s grudge match against his old club, the Sydney Roosters, with a neck and back injury.
In a huge boost for the Sydney Roosters’ chances of qualifying for the finals, Mitchell is considered “unlikely” to play for the Bunnies in their final game of 2025.
Latrell Mitchell is unlikely to play for South Sydney this week.Credit: Getty Images
Mitchell missed the Rabbitohs’ 40-0 win against the Dragons in round 25, but it was expected he would return following last week’s bye.
The NSW and Test star, however, has a neck injury that is causing him issues with his back. He will have to prove his fitness at a training session on Tuesday before the teams are announced at 4pm that afternoon, if he has any chance to play.
Skipper Cameron Murray will also have to train to prove his fitness. He hasn’t played all season due to an Achilles injury suffered in the preseason, but told club staff he will inform them of his decision before the team is named on Tuesday.
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