EELS STARS CELEBRATED At 2025 NSWRL AWARDS….
The Parramatta Eels are proud to congratulate Abbi Church and Tess McWilliams on receiving major honours at the NSW Rugby League’s 2025 Brad Fittler Medal held last night in Sydney.
Abbi Church won the NSW Blues Award after a standout debut Origin campaign. The accolade continues an exceptional run for Church, who also claimed the Dally M Fullback of the Year award in 2024.
Tess McWilliams was recognised as the NSW Under 19 Women’s Player of the Year, following a barnstorming performance in the Under 19 State of Origin match earlier this year. Tess established herself as one of the game’s brightest young stars after playing a key role in the Eels’ triumph in the 2025 Tarsha Gale Cup earlier this year.
The Brad Fittler Medal event saw 21 awards presented across NSW Rugby League representative, major, junior and community competitions, with more than 500 guests gathering to celebrate the best of rugby league across the state.
Parramatta Eels Head of Football Mark O’Neill said the Club was delighted to see both players recognised.
“Abbi and Tess have worked incredibly hard and thoroughly deserve this recognition. Abbi has made a seamless transition into the Origin arena and continues to lead by example at fullback, while Tess is one of the most exciting young talents coming through the game,” O’Neill said.
“These awards reflect not just their skill and character, but also their dedication to the team, the support and commitment of their families throughout their journey, and the values we hold at the Parramatta Eels,” he added.
Abbi Church said it was a huge honour to be acknowledged in her first Origin season.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent New South Wales and incredibly proud to be recognised in my first year. It has been an amazing experience, and I owe so much to my teammates and coaches at both the Blues and the Eels,” Church said.
Tess McWilliams said the award meant a lot after a special season.
“Pulling on the u19s NSW jersey was a dream come true and to be recognised like this is honestly pretty surreal. I’ve had so much support around me, and I just want to keep working hard and improving every game,” McWilliams said.
The Parramatta Eels congratulate Abbi and Tess on their well deserved recognition and thank NSW Rugby League for continuing to showcase the excellence of female athletes across the game.
