The Parramatta Eels closed the curtain on a year of grit and growth with a sparkling evening at CommBank Stadium, where players, coaches, staff, and special guests gathered for the 2025 NRLW Awards Night. Though the year brought injuries, setbacks and hard lessons, the event served as a powerful reminder that the true heartbeat of Parramatta is defined not only by wins, but by resilience, loyalty, and unbreakable club spirit.
The spotlight of the evening belonged to Abbi Church, who was officially crowned NRLW Player of the Year—her second time earning the honor after first receiving it in 2023. Church was also awarded the Blue & Gold Army Award, voted by fans who admire her leadership, toughness, and unwavering devotion to the jersey.
Holding back emotion as she accepted the awards, Church paid tribute to the club that believed in her since day one.
“The club is what gave me my NRLW opportunity, and I get to live the dream every single week when I put on the blue and gold,” Church said.
She went on to acknowledge the challenges of the season, praising teammates—especially the many debutants—who stepped up when adversity struck.
“There were so many debutants and a lot of the girls that came through the pathways… they kept turning up week after week, putting in the work it takes to be an NRLW player.”
The night also honored emerging talent, club culture, and community leadership:
âś… NRLW Rookie of the Year: Martha Mataele
✅ NRLW Players’ Player: Martha Mataele
âś… NRLW Community Award: Elsie Albert
âś… NRLW Coaches Award: Chloe Jackson
✅ Harvey Norman Women’s Player of the Year: Jessica Kennedy
✅ Harvey Norman Women’s Coaches Award: Josie Lenaz
✅ Harvey Norman Women’s Players’ Player: Ella Carlisle
In many ways, it was more than an awards night—it was a celebration of identity, culture, growth, and pride. Players who gave everything on the field stood shoulder-to-shoulder with those who lifted others off it. Coaches applauded determination. Fans roared with love.
As the Eels shift their focus toward 2026, the message is clear:
This team is building something powerful—and the heart of Parramatta has never beaten stronger.
