Dragons front rower Blake Lawrie has been nominated for the 2023 Ken Stephen Medal thanks to his tireless work off the field giving back to local juniors, supporting charity causes, and making a difference in the wider community.
The Ken Stephen Medal “recognises the efforts of an NRL player who has not only achieved on the field but, has committed time off the field to community projects”.
A Dapto Canaries junior, Lawrie is a regular at junior training sessions, club events, and fundraisers.
In a letter to the club, Dapto Canaries JRLFC Secretary Kristie Ruprecht thanked the 26-year-old for dedicating “his time and effort to help the young members of [the] club”.
“Blake’s decision to volunteer his time makes a significant impact in the lives of our young players and his efforts to visit do not go unnoticed,” she wrote.
“Giving up your time to help others is a selfless act, and we are proud to know that Blake is willing to make such a sacrifice for the betterment of our football family. His dedication and commitment to helping junior sport is truly inspiring and we hope that more people follow his lead.”
He also has played a role in the delivery and expansion of The Best You Can Be health and wellbeing program – which involves 8,500 students at close to 100 schools – for over a decade and is the nominated player leader at Lakelands Public School in Dapto.
Since 2019, he has been a strong supporter of Barstool Brothers – a growing men’s mental health charity – and played a key role in their Kokoda Trail mission by donating different merchandise and equipment.
He is involved in youth mental health programs targeted at local high school students as well as White Ribbon Day programs that aim to eliminate gendered violence.
To celebrate the NRL’s Indigenous Round, he supports a local artist by wearing painted boots which he donates back to the artist postgame.
Fan voting for the Ken Stephen Medal is open until Thursday 13 July – vote for Blake Lawrie here!
