NRL Social: RLPA Awards; off-season begins

Between the RLPA awards, Finals footy and the off-season, there's a lot to keep up with!

Teddy's time

James Tedesco was presented the Brad Fittler Medal by the coach himself. The fullback played a pivotal part in the Blues 2018 Series campaign, with Fittler saying "James Tedesco made the tackle and gave us a chance, and that enabled us to win the State of Origin series in 2018."

The next night Tedesco's roommate and fellow chook Victor Radley won the RLPA Rookie of the Year, capping off a great week for the Roosters who are straight through to the preliminary final.

Tedesco's fellow Blues teammate Tom Trbojevic also attended despite having recent surgery to repair a fractured cheekbone.

Players Champs

The RLPA's annual awards took place this week with Newcastle fullback Kalyn Ponga becoming the youngest ever winner of the RLPA Players' Champion award.

Ponga later told pan66.com being presented the trophy by Jonathan Thurston made him even more nervous, his jitters clearly on display during his acceptance speech.

The awards also showcased the annual theme of Black tie and sneakers.

Get The Strap

If you're a fan of the TV Show 'Power', you'll no doubt recognise Rotimi, the actor who plays "Dre",  posing with Roosters prop Dylan Napa. The star was in town and attended the Roosters game. He later posed for photos with Napa and his teammates.

On to the next!

Dragons forward Jeremy Latimore was pumped after his side's courageous effort up at Suncorp Stadium.

And Nathan Cleary still had time to bag out teammate Josh Mansour on Instagram for the winger's alleged NFL knowledge.

Mansour was quick to respond!

The gift that keeps on giving

Shaun Johnson's fiancé Kayla Malvina Cullen presented the Warriors halfback with a questionable birthday present!

Looks like the inside joke was taken well judging by SJ's fits of laugher.

Sorry boat it

Jarryd Hayne is out living his best life in Lebanon. Hayne, alongside Tim Mannah, Nathan Brown, Michael Jennings and Mitch Moses, has been exploring, taking time to pose for pics under the famous Parramatta Rd sign.

Fighting fit

His season with the Tigers may be over, but Kiwi International Esan Marsters was in the gym, no doubt making sure he's in the best condition he can be ahead of next months Australia New Zealand test.

Goodbyes are never easy

NRL and Parramatta Eels fan favourite Cameron King announced via Instagram he has played his last game with the club.

"Wasn't how I saw my time finishing here but unfortunately that's the way it goes sometimes which hurts. Not to sure what the next chapter looks like which is scary/exciting but I'm thankful to have been involved with the Parramatta Eels," King wrote.

And the game bid farewell to Sam Thaiday, "I may not be able to hold up a trophy again but with these three girls I'm definitely a winner" he said.