Naden is a finalist in the sports best new talent of the year category, which will be awarded to the athlete that has performed to their potential over the previous year and has received recognition for their achievements.

Naden made his first-grade NRL debut with the Panthers this year, alongside Dubbo local Isaah Yeo.

The Cowboys junior is up against AFL player Sydney Stack, pro surfer Soli Bailey and Delma Gisu from the AFLW competition.

Winners of the Dreamtime Awards will be announced on Saturday, November 16 at a ceremony in Sydney.

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The national awards is an opportunity for Indigenous people across Australia to come together and be recognised for their excellence in various categories including sport, arts, education, health and community.

Previous year's winners have included Dubbo's Mojo Juju for the female artist of the year in 2018.

In 2017 former Wellington locals Nathan Towney won teacher of the year and Jeffery Amatto was awarded community person of the year.

Josh Addo-Carr, who has ties to the Wellington community, won best new sports talent in 2017.