NSWRL Chairman, John Chalk, had a simple but far reaching message for attendees of the NSWRL Junior League Volunteer Awards Night at Homebush this week.

“Rugby League may have just signed a television deal worth over one billion dollars but the support the army of volunteers contributes to the game is something that can never be put on a press release or written on a cheque,” Chalk said.

“Jarryd Hayne and Paul Gallen wouldn’t be the players they are today if they weren’t nurtured through their clubs, Cabramatta and Wentworthville, by volunteers.

“To see the passion that the award winners had on the night is truly inspiring and you now know why our game is the greatest game of all.”

One such volunteer is new NSWRL Junior League Life Member, Cathy Crowe, who began helping out the St George District Junior Rugby League when her son started playing in the area nearly 20 years ago.

Crowe, also a full time staff member of the NSWRL Referees Coaching and Development Unit at Homebush, still finds time as the Districts Junior League Secretary to help with countless school carnivals, gala days and other development projects.

“Cathy thoroughly deserves this award,” NSWRL Referees Coaching and Development Manager, Tony Danks, said.

“She has been the backbone of the St George District for nearly two decades now and she is invaluable to me in her role in my department as well.

“For her to be able to give so much too so many people, it shows just how special she is to the game of Rugby League.”

A full list of the evening’s award winners can be found below and more information, like their nominations from their own Districts, can be found by visiting www.nswrl.com.au

Awards given on the night:

The NSWRL Junior League Life Member:

WINNER: CATHY CROWE

The Western Suburbs Junior League “Jim Medway” Club Person of the Year Award:

WINNER: LORRAINE HARRIS

The St George Junior League “Robert Stone” Memorial Award:

WINNER: GARY MCCOULLOUGH

NSWRL District Representatives Volunteer of the Year nominees:

Bob Cooper – Balmain
Paul Arraj – Canterbury
Ron Easton – Illawarra
Dave Caire – Parramatta
Tom Anderson – Penrith
Ken Dashwood – South Sydney
David Parkes – St George
Ross Norman – Sydney Roosters 

WINNER: ROSS NORMAN

The South Sydney Juniors Award:

WINNER: KAREN SASSINE

The Penrith & Districts Junior Rugby League Football Club Award:

WINNER: KERRI MCDIARMID

The NSWRL Schools Competitions Volunteer of the Year:

WINNER: DAVID WHITTOCK

The Parramatta District Junior League Football Club Award:

WINNER: ANNETTE REGAN

The North Sydney District Junior League Football Club Award:

WINNER: DAVE CHAPPLE

The NSWRL Multicultural Volunteers Award:

WINNER: AMELIA HORO

The Illawarra Junior League “Col & Billie Purcell” Award:

WINNER: STACEY CHATER

The Cronulla Sutherland Junior League Volunteer of the Year Junior League Award:

WINNER: GRAHAME WAGENER

The NSWRL.com.au Media Volunteer of the Year:

WINNER: ADAM BAGNALL

The Balmain Junior League - “George Thompson” Memorial Award:

WINNER: LEONI BARNETT

The NSWRL Indigenous Volunteer of the Year:

WINNER: JIE PITMAN

The “Les Matthews” Referee Volunteer Award (joint winners):

WINNERS: JOE ATTARD & ALAN POLLOCK

The ARL Development – Volunteer of the Year Award:

WINNER: CHARLIE BATES

The NSW Rugby League – “Gordon Lowrie” Award:

WINNER: PATI BARBER

The NSW Rugby League - "John Quinn" Award:
WINNER: JOSEPH CHIDIAC

For further information:
Brad Preston: 0419 463 277