Monaghan receives Ken Stephen Award

Manly's Michael Monaghan has been honoured with the 2006 Ken Stephen Award for services to Rugby League and to the community.

Monaghan received the award at this morning's Grand Final Breakfast in front of 600 guests at Sydney's Westin Hotel. The Ken Stephen Award recognises a player who has not only inspired fans with his on-field talent but who has also stood out through his work in the community.

Monaghan was one of eight nominations presented to the NRL Board for the 2006 award and his work with physically and mentally disabled children at the Arranounbai School in Frenchs Forest, Sydney, was judged to be exceptional.

His association with the school includes working with the children and assisting in rehabilitation and he and his Manly teammates have raised $35,000 towards purchasing a bus for the school.

The two grand final teams for Sunday's clash at Telstra Stadium, the Melbourne Storm and the Brisbane Broncos, were in attendance.