A coach who lost his house twice – a house fire, followed by floods – but still guided his team to a premiership, and another who has been a driving force to grow women’s Rugby League have been named the 2023 winners for the NSWRL Community Coach of the Year awards.
Ballina Seagulls’ Dave Turner was named Coach of the Year (Male), supported by Ignite HQ, for his ongoing commitment to his young side; while Trish Bell from Penshurst RSL Kookaburras was named Coach of the Year (Female), supported by Harvey Norman, for her passion to help grow and develop the women’s game across all ages.
Despite going through hardships in his personal life, including losing part of his house to a house fire and floods on two separate occasions, Turner maintained his commitment to his team after leading them to an undefeated season and premiership win.
“It’s quite overwhelming,” Turner said.
“With how big the state is and how many kids are playing footy and how many coaches there are, to have won this award it means everything.
“I’ve coached the same team for the last three years and it’s a nice to know that the kids want to continue to play under me.
“I just want to be a good role model.”
Bell constantly goes above and beyond to help get the best out of her players but believes there is still so much more she could do to help grow women’s Rugby League.
“I feel very honoured to have even been nominated let alone to have won the award,” she said.
“Female participation is a real passion of mine and it’s huge that we continue to push for growth.”
“To see the exposure the NRLW is getting, I believe it is the driving force. These young girls playing footy can now see that there is a future to their playing career.
“It is the future.”
While the majority of the 2023 NSWRL Community Awards will be announced in September at the Brad Fittler Medal, the awards for Male and Female Coach of the Year are determined prior to the Ampol State of Origin match in Sydney with part of their prize being tickets to attend Game Three at Accor Stadium tomorrow night (Wednesday July 12).
The annual NSWRL Community Awards recognise the invaluable contribution made by more than 28,000 people, who give up their time as volunteers, officials, coaches and referees to ensure NSWRL is able to run Community Football at more than 700 clubs across the state.
The awards also acknowledge the support given in the wider community as well as to the Rugby League Community.
