By PETER ROWE
Kade McDonald got one over his dad on Wednesday night when he won the 2026 Ken Allen Medal at the NRLWA’s Awards night at Perth’s RAC Arena.
The fullback (who also doubles up as a five-eighth) became the 15th winner from the South Perth club, joining an elite group of players who all have their name on the game in WA’s elite honour board.
Kade’s dad Brock had a pretty good career as well, playing for a number of clubs, including Rockingham, Joondalup, the Western Reds development squad and Fremantle, where he won a premiership medal.
“Yes. He won a few things, but not one of these,” McDonald joked the morning after his win.
For the South Perth junior, who started out at four years of age at George Burnett Park, it has come full circle.
“I used to look up to players like Isaac Thomas, who won the medal three times and Scott Jones and Greenie, another winner. And now I’m one, it’s quite surreal,” he said.
McDonald took a break from the game before moving to play for North Beach, where he won man of the match in the 2023 grand final win over Fremantle.
He then spent a year overseas, In France, and won the Ligue 2 championship with his club in Perpignan. Does he speak French?
“Not really,” he joked. Luckily there were other players there who had played in the Super League and spoke English. It was a great experience.”
Then late last year South Perth director Paul Brown approached him and he returned home to the Lions.
“I told them I would play wherever they wanted, I prefer fullback or six, and I’ve played in both this season,” he said.
“I think the original plan was for me to play fullback, but with players out and injuries I did play a few games in the halves.”
And the Ken Allen award, was he surprised?
“Yes, to be honest I was, as I had missed a few games, but when I did play I think I did well.”
The clincher might have been his solo performance that ended Willagee’s unbeaten run in Round 12 of the Fuel to Go & Play Premiership when a number of breaks culminated in two tries and two assists that won the game.
“For me it was unexpected. I thought I might be in the running, but nothing more, so when my name was called out, it was a bit of a shock.”
McDonald will now prepare himself for Saturday’s grand final against Fremantle, his second final appearance in three years.
“Against Fremantle we were the underdogs. But we just kept turning up for each other and I think we can do the same at South Perth this year,” he said.
“12 years without a premiership is a long time for such a prestigious club.”
And where will it be won?
The Melbourne Storm fan, who followed James Maloney and now Cameron Munster, has no doubt it will be won in the middles.
“They (Fremantle) have a strong pack with Ezra and Jules, so much experience. But we have Greenie and Mason and Tim Noble. And Eddie steering the ship.
“I think Hepa (Hohepa Taiatini) and Corban (Daniels) will be also be dangerous and could pull it off for us.”
And of course the 2026 Ken Allen Medal winner – the X-factor in a team hellbent on laying to rest 12 years of disappointment.
