Andrew Fifita lifts lid on stunning 2016 Clive Churchill snub

The Sharks star has recounted the chaotic weeks leading into the NRL finals series 10 years ago.

By Leo Twemlow · Zero Tackle

Published: Saturday, 31 October 2026 at 1:03 AM

Key Things to Know

Andrew Fifita claimed he was blocked from winning the 2016 Clive Churchill Medal due to off-field police scrutiny.
Fifita revealed Andrew Johns called him after the Grand Final to say judges were not permitted to pick him.
Police had issued Fifita a warning in late 2016 regarding his association with convicted criminal Kieran Loveridge.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former Cronulla Sharks forward Andrew Fifita revealed on the MAYDAY podcast that he was denied individual awards in 2016 due to off-field police scrutiny. Fifita claimed that rugby league immortal Andrew Johns contacted him after the 2016 Grand Final to explain that judges were not allowed to select him for the Clive Churchill Medal.

Fifita stated that police investigations and consorting warnings regarding his relationship with childhood friend Kieran Loveridge also cost him the Dally M Medal and Prop of the Year honors. Teammate Luke Lewis ultimately won the Clive Churchill Medal as the Sharks claimed the premiership.

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Andrew Fifita lifts lid on stunning 2016 Clive Churchill snub

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