NRL player Jermaine McEwen brought shame and pride to himself and his code on the way to earning a nomination for The Frownlow Medal.
The Frownlow Medal is awarded to the player whose off-field demeanour epitomises the values of the modern-day footballer and draws attention to the status of footballers as role models to young Australians. It covers Australia’s four major football codes: the men’s and women’s National Rugby League (NRL), Australian Football League (AFL), the A-League (Football) and Rugby Union’s Super Rugby competition. NRL player Shaun Kenny-Dowall won the inaugural medal in 2015, while AFL player Noah Balta is the most recent recipient.
McEwen was caught drink-driving on a suspended licence and told the media he was ashamed of himself.
“I am deeply ashamed of my actions,” McEwen said in a statement.
“There is no justification for what I did, getting behind the wheel with alcohol in my system was irresponsible, dangerous, and completely beneath the standards I hold myself to as a person and as a professional footballer.
“I’m fully aware of the trust the Newcastle Knights have placed in me, and I let the club, my teammates, and everyone who supports this team down.
“The NRL is a privilege, and I do not take lightly the responsibility that comes with it … I offer my unreserved apology.”
Should he be ashamed?
The Newcastle Knights forward was handed a one-game ban and a suspended $5000 fine for drink-driving on a suspended licence in May, 2026, but he may also have earned respect.
A nomination for The Frownlow Medal is the perfect way for a 21-year-old rookie to earn respect from hardened NRL players and fans, especially those from the region which produced serial offender and rugby league great Andrew Johns.
McEwen also plays for the team which wears high-vis jerseys once a year to honour the Hunter Valley’s miners, who claim to be tough, rugged, and rebellious individuals.
McEwen could also ensure the NRL wins back the most prestigious prize in Australian sport after Balta won it in 2025.
Has McEwen done enough to win The Frownlow Medal and become the most popular man in the NRL at the end of this year?
Image: NuNa
The Frownlow Medal 