Kernick Wins NRLW Dally M Medal
VIDEO: Roosters forward Olivia Kernick was rewarded for a consistent season with the league’s top individual honour.
Sydney Roosters and NSW star Olivia Kernick has become the first backrow forward since Simaima Taufa in 2017 to win the Dally M medal, the NRLW’s Best and Fairest Award. Kernick finished on 22 points to win by two over Lauren Brown and Abbi Church.
Titans halfback Lauren Brown was leading the count when the voting was no longer made public, but a broken hand sustained against Parramatta saw the the Queensland star miss the final games of the season, leaving her as runner up along with Parramatta’s Abbi Church, who enjoyed an incredible season to beat the likes of Tamika Upton, Evania Pelite and Teagan Berry to be named fullback of the a year.
For Church, last night was just her first time attending the awards, and she told HER WAY that simply being considered for the accolade was a huge honour:
“I never envisaged myself here at all, let alone being nominated, so I’m incredibly honoured to be here and be nominated.”
Roosters workhorse Kernick had an outstanding year in a team full of talented players, and her ability to pass and set up teammates in addition to running the ball and tackling prowess was a big asset for a team which experienced its share of injury concerns throughout the season in the halves.
After missing out on the grand final the past two seasons, Kernick said that several Central Coast-based members of the side, including herself, made the decision to relocate to Sydney this season in an effort to give the team and individual players the best chance to perform at their best:
“Everyone really bought in, made sure they were doing those extra recoveries - the drive does affect our recovery and our training. But I think we’re just a close knit group this year, just a bit closer than usual.”
Olivia paid tribute to coach John Strange in elevating her game over the last twelve months in particular, in getting her more involved during games.
As winner of the major award, Olivia was an automatic selection in the Dally M Team of the Year. The full team was:
Abbi Church, Julia Robinson, Tiana Penitani, Isabelle Kelly, Stacey Waaka, Zahara Temara, Lauren Brown, Shannon Mato, Keeley Davis, Millie Elliott, Olivia Kernick, Yasmin Clysdale, Simaima Taufa
Cronulla’s Tiana Penitani was named Captain of the Year, while St George-Illawarra’s Kasey Reh was the Rookie of the Year, and Brisbane’s Scott Prince was honoured as Coach of the Year.
Check out HER WAY’s interviews from the night below: