The Playing & Simple podcast is proud to present the Fannos! An entirely fan voted set of awards that celebrates all different aspects of the NRL from on field achievements and off the field contributions.
The 2025 Fannos Awards have concluded for this year. Take a look below to see came out on top according to the fans for each award!
Here’s a list of all the awards given out at the Fannos 2025:
- Veteran of the Year – Which seasoned legend has kept proving age is just a number?
- Best Family – For the dynasties, the brothers, the siblings, or even the footy families who bring it together on and off the field.
- Fan Fave Coach – The leader who’s captured your heart, whether by results, passion, or personality.
- Best Hair – Because sometimes the biggest statement is on top of the head, not the scoreboard.
- Best Combo – From halves pairings to iconic duos, which combo owned 2025?
- Best Character – The personalities that make the league more than just footy.
- Player of the Bottom 9 – A nod to those carrying teams outside the finals.
- Wish You Were Here Award – For the stars sidelined or missing that the game just wasn’t the same without.
- Buy of the Year – Which signing paid off in spades?
- Story of the Year – The narrative that defined 2025.
- Forward Pack of the Year – For the engine rooms that bent opposition lines backwards.
- Backline of the Year – The flair and finishers who turned chances into points.
- Spine of the Year – The best 1, 6, 7, 9 combination running the show.
- Least Hated Team – A rare honour. Which club has managed to keep nearly everyone onside?
- Meme of the Year – The viral moment that had you tagging mates instantly.
- Most Valuable Ex-Player – From pundits to coaches, who’s made the biggest mark since hanging up the boots?
- Best Media Personality – A non-player whose voice has entertained, informed, or riled you up the most?
- Player of the Year – The ultimate fan-chosen MVP.
- Fan of the Year – Recognising the people in the stands and on the socials who keep the game alive.
The Nominees and Winners for 2025 are listed below!
Veteran of the Year
- James Tedesco
- Ben Hunt
- Kieran Foran
- Daniel Tupou
Best Family
- Fainu
- Strange
- May
- Cleary
Fan Fave Coach
- Ricky Stuart
- Benji Marshall
- Craig Bellamy
- Michael Maguire
Best Hair
- Ryan Papenhuyzen
- Fletcher Sharpe
- Josh Curran
- Samuela Fainu
Best Combo
- Weekes, Fogarty & Strange
- Kiraz & Crichton
- Haas & Carrigan
- Hughes & Coates
Best Character
- Toby Rudolf
- Sunia Turuva
- Brian To’o
- Cam Munster
Player of the Bottom 9
- Terrell May
- Isaiya Katoa
- Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
- Mitch Moses
Buy of the Year
- Terrell May
- Erin Clark
- Michael Maguire
- Stefano Utoikamanu
Story of the Year
- Galvin to Dogs
- Raiders Prove Everyone Wrong
- Munster Origin Win After Dad Died
- Panthers Go From Last to Prelims
Moment of the Year
- Marky Mark’s Hop Try
- Hunt and Reynolds Redemption
- Fainu Brothers All Score in a Game
- Papali’i’s Record Game Double Try
Meme of the Year
- Khod Saga
- Reece Walsh Toilet Water
- Naked Woodsy
- Jake Turbo Gatorade Kick
Forward Pack of the Year
- Broncos
- Sharks
- Raiders
- Melbourne
Backline of the Year
- Raiders
- Sharks
- Roosters
- Storm
Spine of the Year
- Raiders
- Storm
- Dolphins
- Broncos
Wish You Were Here Award
- Cam Murray
- Luke Metcalf
- Sam Walker
- Fletcher Sharpe
Least Hated Team
- Warriors
- Raiders
- Tigers
- Dolphins
Best Combo
- Weekes, Fogarty & Strange
- Kiraz & Crichton
- Haas & Carrigan
- Hughes & Coates
Best Character
- Toby Rudolf
- Sunia Turuva
- Brian To’o
- Cam Munster
Player of the Bottom 9
- Terrell May
- Isaiya Katoa
- Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
- Mitch Moses
Buy of the Year
- Terrell May
- Erin Clark
- Michael Maguire
- Stefano Utoikamano
Best Media Personality
- Hammy Goodman
- Buzz Rothfield
- Yvonne Sampson
- Dan Ginnane
Most Valuable Ex-Player
- Aaron Woods
- Matty Johns
- Braith Anasta
- Shaun Johnson
Player of the Year
- James Tedesco
- Ethan Strange
- Payne Haas
- Harry Grant
Fan of the Year
- Haynesy
- Ella Kasmar
- Hectic Fred
- Dan Nilsson (What’s New in the Castle)