The celebrations continue at the Waratah Mayfield Cheetahs.

Just a week after the organisation lifted three Newcastle Hunter Rugby League (NHRL) titles at the Lakeside Sporting Complex, star half Travis Lowe walked away with the men’s A grade Best and Fairest honours.

More than 250 people, representing 40 clubs, attended the annual awards ceremony at the Wallsend Diggers.

Waratah Mayfield knocked over the Dudley Magpies 24-8 to defend its crown, while the Cheetahs’ Ladies League Tag A and B grade sides prevailed in their respective showdowns.

Lowe wasn’t only named the competition’s leading player in 2025, he also picked up top pointscorer after amassing 138 throughout the season.

Teammate Jordon Philips shared the top tryscoring accolade with Lakes United’s Declan Elbourne, after the pair crossed the stripe on 12 occasions.

Central Newcastle secured the major plaudits in the Ladies League Tag A grade division.

Even though the side was upset 16-12 by Waratah Mayfield in the decider, Chelsea Hindmarsh took home the Best and Fairest and top tryscoring plaudits, thanks to 21 tries.

Fellow Butcher Bird Blanche Morrisey picked up top pointscorer with 98.

NHRL chairman Brian Finlay said the ceremony summed up a highly-successful year.

“The event was a fantastic showcase, celebrating the top pointscorers and tryscorers, as well as Best and Fairest, across all 10 divisions,” he stated.

“We were able to acknowledge the talent, passion and dedication, which makes rugby league so special in our region.

“My thanks go to everyone for their efforts this season, from the players and coaches to the volunteers and supporters.

“It hasn’t gone unnoticed.

“You are the heartbeat of NHRL.

“And, while we’re just winding up 2025, we are already looking forward to an even bigger and better 2026.”

Newcastle Hunter Rugby League 2025 award winners

Women’s Community Cup

• Top tryscorer: Jessica Pham (Maitland Pickers) 13
• Top pointscorer: Ebony Oakley (Karuah) 62

Women’s Community Plate

• Top tryscorer: Tash Harris (Nelson Bay Bandits) 13
• Top poitscorer: Chloe Zdebski (Mallabula) 70

Ladies League Tag A grade

• Top tryscorer: Chelsea Hindmarsh (Central Newcastle) 21
• Top pointscorer: Blanche Morrissey (Central Newcastle) 98
• Best and Fairest: Chelsea Hindmarsh (Central Newcastle)

Ladies League Tag B grade

• Top tryscorer: Chloe McLellan (Aberglasslyn) 16
• Top pointscorer: Chloe McLellan (Aberglasslyn) 64
• Best and Fairest: Hedi Richards (Singleton)

Ladies League Tag C grade

• Top tryscorer: Amy Ridgeway (Raymond Terrace) 17
• Top pointscorer: Amy Ridgeway (Raymond Terrace) 82
• Best and Fairest: Gemma Clarke (Tea Gardens)

Men’s A grade

• Top tryscorer: Declan Elbourne (Lakes United), Jordon Phillips (Waratah Mayfield) 12
• Top pointscorer: Travis Lowe (Waratah Mayfield) 138
• Best and Fairest: Travis Lowe (Waratah Mayfield)

Men’s B grade

• Top tryscorer: Jack Smith (Shortland) 12
• Top pointscorer: Nathan Taylor (Shortland) 115
• Best and Fairest: Sam Robertson (Hinton)

Men’s C grade

• Top tryscorer: Eli Felton (Dudley) 17
• Top pointscorer: Nick Hor (Stockton) 144
• Best and Fairest: Jackson Partridge (Dungog)

Men’s D grade northern

• Top tryscorer: Jarod Rits (Clarence Town) 11
• Top pointscorer: Blake Birch (Clarence Town) 100
• Best and Fairest: Blake Birch (Clarence Town)

Men’s D grade southern

• Top tryscorer: Jed Field (Swansea) 14
• Top pointscorer: Jeremy Fredericks (Swansea) 126
• Best and Fairest: Reece Ryan (Kearsley)

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