A club which promotes gender equality with male and female Club Captains, a female coach who continues to inspire as she battles motor neurone disease, and a female player who overcame serious injuries to champion female participation, are among the major award winners in the 2026 NSWRL Community Awards that acknowledge the contribution made to the game every season by more than 35,000 volunteers across the state.
Taren Point Titans Junior Rugby League Football Club (Community Club of the Year), Tania Magoci (NSWRL Community Coach of the Year - Female) and Nyoka Morgan Prior (NSWRL Regional Volunteer of the Year - Bidgee) were among the 15 award winners who were honoured for giving up their time as volunteers, officials, coaches and/or referees to help NSWRL set another participation benchmark for 2026.
The 2026 winners included Community Club of the Year, Coach of the Year (Male and Female), First Nations Volunteer of the Year, Inclusive Volunteer of the Year, Young Person of the Year, Women in League Person of the Year and 8 Regional Volunteers of the Year.
“NSWRL places the highest priority on the role that volunteers play in Rugby League. Put simply, the game would not survive without them,” NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden said.
“Their role has become even more important as NSWRL continues to set new participation benchmarks each season, including the increasing popularity of women’s Rugby League.
“NSWRL’s Volunteer of the Year Awards are a way for us to say thank you for the invaluable contribution volunteers around the state have made to their club for a number of years, and in some cases decades.
“The recipients of this year’s awards have all shown great dedication to ensure the success of Rugby League, and I thank them for their efforts and wish them all the best for the future.”
NSWRL’s major community volunteer individual award, the Gordon Lowrie Volunteer of the Year, will be chosen from the list of Regional Volunteer winners before being announced at the Brad Fittler Medal at The Star Event Centre on Monday 31 August.
The Gordon Lowrie Volunteer of the Year, Community Club of the Year, First Nations Volunteer of the Year and Young Person of the Year are also automatic inclusions for the NRL Community Awards, with the winners to be announced in September.
The Titans were named Cronulla Junior Rugby League Club of the Year in 2025 and as well as promoting gender equality have demonstrated NSWRL cultural values by holding a Culture and Heritage Round to promote multiculturalism and diversity and encouraging youth leadership. The biographies for Magoci and Prior can be viewed in the link below, along with other winners.
The Community Club of the Year receives a $2000 Steeden voucher, the Coach of the Year both male and female receive a VIP experience at the NSWRL Grand Final Day at CommBank Stadium in September, while all Regional Winners receive an invite to the Brad Fittler Medal, a NSW Blues Supporters Pack, and a plaque to acknowledge their achievement.
2026 NSWRL COMMUNITY AWARD WINNERS
Community Rugby League Club of the Year: Taren Point Titans JRLFC
Taren Point Titans commitment to the true spirit of the game was evident in a reflection circle between the Under 16s and Gymea U16s Silver, which helped turn tension into respect and generated 49,000 combined views on social media. Last year the Titans also launched their inaugural Culture and Heritage Round, involving over 180 people and featured 38 flags, food, Indigenous smoking ceremonies, Cook Islands dancing, and Māori kapa haka performances. This year, another evening celebration featured a smoking ceremony while a club family showcased their Lebanese drumming. The Titans proudly uphold gender balance, with male and female Club Captains and equal representation on their Executive Committee. Their female Club Captain, Halle Shield, addressed Sutherland Shire Council about the club’s poor drainage issues, which impacted the way councillors viewed Rugby League in the Shire. The club likes other local clubs’ social media posts which is in the spirit of the game and assisted Sutherland Pirates Under 6s to field a full side in a recent match by providing a player for each quarter for their team.
Community Coach of the Year (Male): Mitchell Gray (Kurri MRL)
In his first season at Kurri Minor Rugby League, Mitchell has created a positive and supportive environment where players are encouraged to develop as both footballers and young people. His efforts to bring players and families together through team dinners and social gatherings have strengthened connections within the club and fostered a genuine sense of inclusion and belonging. Mitchell also displays professionalism through his commitment to ongoing learning, regularly seeking coaching development opportunities and participating in the RISE program. He has quickly become a trusted mentor and role model for his Under 15s players, encouraging personal growth, resilience and strong character alongside football development. His genuine care for his players extends beyond training and match days, and his willingness to assist with club events, support committee initiatives and contribute wherever needed has also strengthened the broader club environment.
Community Coach of the Year (Female): Tania Magoci (Griffith Waratahs JRL)
Tania played for 15 years before moving into coaching and serving as a committee member. She is living with motor neurone disease (MND) but still brings the club together with her work through fundraising, presentation, training, health and safety. Tania coaches four teams – Under 16s Girls Tag, Under 16s Girls Tackle, Under 14s Girls Tackle and Under 12s Tackle. She is also involved in the RISE program and helps with the Group 20 juniors where needed. She is the Vice President of the club, goes to senior games and volunteers with them to score or be Ground Manager. Tania is an inspiration to all the players, who can see that she never gives up even though she is unable to eat anymore and has to be assisted to walk with a walker.
First Nations Volunteer of the Year (presented by KARI Foundation): Brett Davis (Western Sydney)
Brett first became involved with the club as a parent when his sons, Nathan and Cameron Davis, began playing in the Under 6s. As his family’s involvement in the game grew, so did Brett’s passion for supporting young players and giving back to the sport. When Nathan reached the Under 10s, Brett stepped into a coaching role and continued coaching through to Under 16s, helping guide and develop young athletes both on and off the field. During this time, he led teams to back-to-back premiership victories in the Under 11s and Under 12s, demonstrating strong leadership, commitment, and professionalism. Throughout his time at the Hinchinbrook Hornets, he has also undertaken numerous volunteer roles including Coach, Manager, Runner, Treasurer, and his current position as Equipment Manager.
Inclusive Volunteer of the Year (presented by What Ability): Keirilee Odell (Hills Bulls Sports Club Incorporated)
Keirilee is the driving force behind the Hills Bulls All-Abilities (Try-Time) program. In 2023, with her husband Andrew, who also coaches the team, Keirilee helped start the team with just a handful of children, and through her passion, patience and belief in every player, it has now grown into both a Junior and Senior team with more than 24 participants. She has also faced difficult moments, including emotionally heavy situations involving player welfare, yet she continues to show unwavering strength and compassion. Despite these challenges, she remains committed to ensuring every child has the chance to experience the joy of Rugby League.
Young Person Volunteer of the Year: Bryce Skarott (North Sydney District Rugby League Referees Association)
Bryce has been refereeing for five seasons and has become a mentor to our younger referees and new starters. As North Sydney District Rugby League Referees Association is one of the smaller referees associations, match officials are required to travel between grounds to cover all matches in the district. By mid-season, Bryce had already officiated 56 games in 6 weeks which had included travelling to 20 different grounds. He leads by example with junior referees, attending training, mentoring new starters and travelling to multiple grounds on any given day. He is also a member of the Referees’ Associations Development Squad, which requires him to be available for Sunday (senior) appointments, as well as committing to additional training and mentoring for new referees on Saturday.
Women in League Person of the Year: Donna Dal Molin (Young Cherrypickers)
Donna inspires the Rugby League community through her actions, leadership and unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for women and girls at every level of the game. She actively works to remove barriers and create pathways that allow females to participate, develop and succeed in Rugby League. Through her roles with the Young Cherrypickers, NSWRL RISE Academy and Riverina Bulls representative programs, Donna has become a visible and respected leader within the Rugby League community. She has demonstrated that women can play an integral role in all areas of the game, from administration and governance through to player development, operations and on-field support. Donna has also been a strong advocate for female tackle football during a period of significant growth.
2026 NSWRL VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR REGIONAL WINNERS
Bidgee: Nyoka Morgan Prior (Narrandera Lizards)
Nyoka has been a passionate advocate for women and girls in Rugby League for many years. In 2019, she was a co-captain of the Narrandera Women's Pro Ten Cup team and has continued to champion female participants. Through her involvement as a player, coach, mentor and leader, she demonstrates that women belong at every level of Rugby League. She actively encourages girls and women to participate, supports new players entering the game and advocates for equal opportunities within the club environment. In 2024, she also suffered a serious football injury, sustaining a shattered pelvis and broken hip. Despite a lengthy rehabilitation period, she remained committed to supporting female participation through coaching, mentoring and club leadership. Her determination saw her return to the field as co-captain of the Narrandera Lizards Women's Team, continuing to advocate for women and girls in Rugby League while demonstrating resilience and leadership.
Central Sydney: Jay Te Wao (Taren Point Titans)
Jay is the President, but also acts as the Gear Steward, First Aid Officer, regular Ground Manager, sets up the BBQ and the field, and helps run the bar. He is the first person at the ground to open up the changerooms and lays out the cones and posts. He remains there for the day, assisting with incidents and accidents, fetching gear for new players, blowing up balls for the opposition, and cleans and packs down the daytime gear. On rainy days, you can find him pumping the fields before play to rid poor drainage impacted fields of dubious water puddles. In 2025 Taren Point Titans won CJRL Volunteer Club of the Year and hosted its first Culture and Heritage Round leading to another one this year. Jay also juggles his Presidential duties which is a big community commitment, attending meetings and advocating for our club, within the Cronulla Junior Rugby League district and competition.
East Coast: Jamie Moorehead (Old Bar Beach RLFC)
Jamie is a dedicated volunteer at Old Bar Beach Pirates Rugby League Football Club where he serves as the Club Registrar, Player Recruitment and Selection Coordinator, and Committee Member. In addition to his club roles, Jamie is also actively involved with the Group 3 Rugby League Committee. His responsibilities include managing player registrations, assisting with player recruitment and selection, and contributing to the overall administration and direction of the club. He works closely with both junior and senior divisions to help create a stronger pathway for players progressing through the club. He has also been organising opportunities for players from overseas to join the club to strengthen local teams and provide life opportunities for those players while expanding the reach of the Rugby League community.
Hunter and Central Coast: Nicole Lonsdale (Morpeth JRLC)
Nicole’s leadership in her role as Secretary extends far beyond her official duties, as she also dedicates countless hours to supporting players, families, volunteers and stakeholders across all areas of the club. She has strengthened governance, introduced improved systems and processes, secured grants, and driven initiatives that ensure the club remains sustainable and well-managed. Nicole's commitment to education and development is reflected in the extensive range of qualifications she has completed, while her focus on creating a welcoming and supportive environment has helped foster a strong sense of unity and belonging throughout the club. Through her tireless efforts, she is building a legacy that will benefit the Morpeth Bulls and the wider Rugby League community for years to come.
North West: Daniel Broadbent (Uralla JRLC)
Daniel holds roles as Uralla JRL President, Uralla Seniors President, Group 19 JRL Board Member, Uralla Level 2 Sports Trainer, and Uralla U12's Co-Coach. He has helped drive a participation boom which has seen the club go from 35 JRL players to 113, with all competitive age groups fielded. In addition, he has been able to rebuild the relationship between Uralla JRL and Seniors after stepping in as senior president in mid-2025, which was also seen participation boom from 0 players in 2024 to 105 today. Daniel has also created a “Men's Shed” setup through the Uralla Tigers club for retired Uralla locals. He promoted community spirit in the off season by organising a group of locals who would meet at the footy club a couple of days a week to work on the playing field, repair gates, and catch up over a tea/coffee.
South Coast: Kevin Whitford (Milton Ulladulla JRL)
Kevin holds many roles including Group 7 Junior and Senior Board member since 1992, Chair of Juniors, Chair of Illawarra South Coast Merged Competition, secretary of Milton Ulladulla Bulldogs JRLFC, Illawarra South Coast Appeals Committee member, Group 7 Referees association member since 1992 and Life Member of Group 7 JRL and Milton Ulladulla JRL. He has been a driving force in the Merged Competition Committee to make the game a jewel in the crown in the region. He has been at the forefront of the growth in the Group 7 competitions, as well as unrelenting in his drive to raise the standards of player and crowd behaviour in the competitions.
Western NSW: Andrew Pull (Canowindra Tigers)
Andrew has been a long-serving volunteer as a yellow shirt trainer, a coach for League Tag, a coach for youth league, a coach for women’s tackle, a committee member and a President for Canowindra, Woodbridge and Western Rams. He is also a heritage board member for the Polska Rugby League Australia. He works tirelessly behind the scenes to make the competition run as smoothly as possible and is an ambassador for all levels of the men’s and women’s competitions.
Western Sydney: Corey Shepherd (Mittagong JRLFC)
Corey has dedicated 35 consecutive years to Mittagong Junior Rugby League Football Club. His service spans playing, coaching, administration, officiating, and game-day operations, showing dedication to the grassroots game. He has held the position of Secretary since 2019, ensuring the club runs effectively on and off the field. He is the backbone of operations, balancing administration with hands-on roles each week. His commitment to inclusivity is clear through his leadership in the girls’ and women’s game, coaching premiership-winning teams and creating pathways for female players. Last year, Corey became a referee to support match delivery and he continues to fulfil multiple roles this year.
