Nominations are now open for the 2026 NSWRL Community Awards which feature nine major honours, including a Women in League Award to recognise those helping drive the growth and advancement of women and girls in Rugby League. 

The NSWRL Women in League Award will be presented to an individual who has helped to create more opportunities for women and girls to thrive in the game, from grassroots volunteers and coaches to referees, administrators and advocates across the state. 

Each year NSWRL endeavours to acknowledge and reward the outstanding efforts of grassroots volunteers and clubs through the prestigious Community Awards.

With more than 32,000 volunteers across 700 clubs throughout the state, NSWRL is calling on the Rugby League community to help recognise those who give their time and energy to ensure the game continues to thrive. 

Nominations will close Monday 1 June. 

CLICK HERE to nominate.

To be eligible for any award, nominees:

Must be registered in the current season
Must hold the appropriate accreditation for their role
Must be compliant with Working With Children Check (WWCC) requirements (if applicable)
Must not have had a Code of Conduct breach in the past two years
Nominations submitted by a relative/partner of the nominee will not be accepted

NSWRL Women in League Award 

The NSWRL Women in League Award recognises a person who has made a valuable contribution to Rugby League, towards the growth and advancement of women and girls within the game.

Prize Package:

1 x ticket to the Brad Fittler Medal
$300 contribution to club function
Supporter Pack

NSWRL Dennis Braybrook Community Official of the Year Award

The NSWRL Dennis Braybrook Community Official of the Year Award recognises a valuable contribution that a volunteer has made to Officiating Rugby League.

NSWRL Community Coach of the Year (Female) Award

The NSWRL Community Coach of the Year (Female) Award gives parents and Clubs an opportunity to recognise outstanding female coaches and their contribution to their players and the game of Rugby League. 

Prize Package:

A NSWRL Major Competitions Grand Final VIP experience for two
$300 contribution to club function
Supporter Pack
State of Origin Jersey

NSWRL Community Coach of the Year (Male) Award

The NSWRL Community Coach of the Year (Male) Award gives parents and Clubs an opportunity to recognise outstanding male coaches and their contribution to their players and the game of Rugby League. 

Prize Package:

A NSWRL Major Competitions Grand Final VIP experience for two
$300 contribution to club function
Supporter Pack
State of Origin Jersey

NSWRL Inclusive Volunteer of the Year Award 

The NSWRL Inclusive Volunteer of the Year Award recognises a valuable contribution that volunteers make to the game of Rugby League through Culturally Diverse, Disability and LGBTQ+ communities.

Prize Package:

1 x ticket to the Brad Fittler Medal
$300 contribution to club function
Supporter Pack

NSWRL First Nations Volunteer of the Year Award

The NSWRL First Nations Volunteer of the Year Award is presented to someone who has acted as an exceptional advocate for the growth of First Nations participation in Rugby League.

Prize Package:

1 x ticket to the Brad Fittler Medal
$300 contribution to club function
Supporter Pack
In the running to win the NRL’s Community Indigenous VOTY Award, presented by Westpac

NSWRL Volunteer of the Year Award

A NSWRL Volunteer of the Year Award nominee will have provided excellent service to the game of Rugby League and will have made a measurable contribution to their community. The overall winner is chosen from the eight regional winners.

Prize Package for Regional Winners:

1 x ticket to the Brad Fittler Medal, where the State VOTY will be announced
$300 contribution to club function
Supporter Pack

Prize Package for State Winner:

A NSWRL Major Competitions Grand Final VIP experience for 2
State of Origin Jersey
Invitation to the Community Football Conference
In the running to win the NRL’s Community VOTY Award, presented by Westpac

NSWRL Community Rugby League Club of the Year Award

The NSWRL Community Rugby League Club of the Year Award will be presented to a Rugby League Club that has enhanced participation and enjoyment of Rugby League within their club.

Prize Package:

BBQ funded by NSWRL
$2000 Steeden Voucher
In the running to win the NRL’s Community Club of the Year Award, presented by Westpac

NSWRL Young Person of the Year Award

The NSWRL Young Person of the Year Award is presented to a young person aged 12 – 24 (born between 2002 – 2014) who has demonstrated a commitment to advancing the NSWRL’s mission of using Rugby League to bring people together to enrich their lives.

Prize Package:

State of Origin Jersey
Supporter Pack
$300 contribution to club function
A NSWRL Major Competitions Grand Final VIP experience for two
In the running to win the NRL’s Community Young Person of the Year Award, presented by Westpac