Jye Gray’s Back-to-Back Try Savers Wins Macca’s Tackle of the Year Award

Rabbitohs fullback Jye Gray has picked up the Macca’s Tackle of the Year award at tonight’s Red and Green Ball for his back-to-back efforts against the Parramatta Eels as part of the victory in round 24.

Celebrating Indigenous Round, the Rabbitohs were up for the contest, with defence being the decisive factor.

Eight minutes into the second half with Eels leading 12-10, Parramatta made a break down the left-hand-side of the field. Jack Williams broke the line and offloaded to Dylan Brown, who found fullback Isaiah Iongi. Iongi thought he could get past Jye, but he cut him down by the ankles just four metres short of the line and in front of the posts.

From the play-the-ball, Gray found himself at marker. The Eels quickly played to their right and Gray dashed from marker to his left to try and cover a kick in the second line defence, however it became clear the Eels were trying to go back behind the ruck to score under the posts through former Rabbitoh, Dylan Walker. Gray changed tact, moved forward and to his right, making the vital try-saving tackle in conjunction with Tallis Duncan, thwarting any chance the Eels had of extending their lead.

That defensive effort from the diminutive fullback gave his teammates energy, and helped the team fight their way to a 20-16 win.

Gray received his Macca’s Tackle of the Year award at the Red and Green Ball tonight from NRL Assistant Coach Ben Hornby.

Congratulations to Jye Gray on winning the Macca’s Tackle of the Year award for 2025.

Tackle of the Year award winners: