Parramatta forward Kennedy Cherrington says the opportunity to give back to organisations who helped her through childhood was rewarding after winning the prestigious 2022 Veronica White medal.
Cherrington is the first Eels player to ever win the award and was presented the medal on stage by former Jillaroos legend Veronica White following Sunday's NRLW grand final.
The 23-year-old has used her own experiences as a child with heart disease to join forces with Heart Kids Charity this year, who were among the organisations that helped Cherrington overcome her hurdles to play rugby league.
Cherrington has supported several fundraiser events in 2022 including the "2 Feet and a Heartbeat" walk, a Superhero Day fundraiser and a telethon fundraiser for SweetHeart Day, where she single-handedly raised the most money.
She is also part of helping build a ground-breaking phone app which will allow children to access learn key information around their heart conditions with the Eels prop set to be front and centre of the launch.
"If other kids can see me doing this then I think I am the best person to represent the community and there as so many kids who are affected by heart disease these days," Cherrington told pan66.com.
"I want to be giving as much information as I can into what I’ve been through and how I transitioned from childhood into adulthood because that's where the issue can be with kids.
"It's about helping them tap into their independence and becoming their own person and getting on top of their health and everything because it can be hard.
"I feel really blessed to be able to be a part of these charity organisations after they helped me and my family. It feels really nice to be a part of the nominations this year and with the other girls who are also nominated.
Born in Sydney's west, Cherrington returned to the harbour city in 2020 after growing up in Perth, where she played junior rugby league for the Rockingham Sharks before moving across to rugby union.
She made a comeback to rugby league with the Roosters before signing with the Eels as one of their inaugural and marquee signings.
The Veronica White Medal is an award that recognises the incredible contributions that so many female rugby league players are making to their local communities and beyond.
Criteria for the Veronica White Medal is in line with the Ken Stephen Medal, with the eventual female recipient having demonstrated their commitment to making a difference in their local community, whilst playing rugby league at an elite level throughout the year.
Cherrington was nominated alongside Knights forward Millie Boyle, Titans veteran Steph Hancock for the 2022 season.
Previous winners include Titans winger Karina Brown and Kiwis duo Georgia Hale and Honey Hireme-Smiler.