NRL Community Rugby League Club Of The Year

INTRODUCING THE 2021 COMMUNITY RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB OF THE YEAR WINNER AND FINALISTS, PRESENTED BY YOUR LOCAL CLUB.

Winner: Barcaldine Junior and Senior Rugby League

Finalists: Casino Cougars Rugby League Football Club (New South Wales), Western Districts Warriors Rugby League Club (South Australia)

For Queensland’s Barcaldine Rugby League Football Club (BRLFC), the NRL’s core values of inclusivity, positivity and unity underpin all they do within the club, and the local community.

Volunteers are critical for the success of a Rugby League Football Club, especially for a club where people travel up to three hours to play Rugby League. At BRLFC, volunteers are genuinely appreciated and thanked in numerous ways; volunteer draws with prizes at each home game, a catered Ladies Day for female volunteers, and an End of Season Volunteer Night. The players wear pink Woman in League jerseys to acknowledge the female volunteers, these jerseys are auctioned to raise money for local charities, such as Western Breast and Jenny Locke Group.

A caring, generous and close-knit club culture at BRLFC ensures support is given for those in need. Small and large financial donations are made to fundraising events and fundraising pages are set up for club members requiring financial support.

BRLFC work together to achieve goals. The club strategically roster Junior and Senior events on the same day to ensure Junior and Senior teams can support each other. Similarly, Life Members and Old Boys return to the club to distribute jerseys in Round One, watch new players, play against an Indigenous school and share stories to build community.

For the drought-stricken Outback community of Barcaldine, Rugby League brings the community together. As a member of BRLFC, you know the entire community supports you – with club t-shirts proudly worn by all members of the community.

NRL Community Rugby League Club of the Year, presented by Your local club

The NRL Community Rugby League Club of the Year will be presented to a Rugby League Club that has enhanced participation and enjoyment of Rugby League within their club. The club is recognised as an integral part of their community going above and beyond to make a positive impact in their community through Rugby League.

2020 Winner - Lithgow Bears

Grassroots Club of the Year, the Lithgow Bears, became one of the saviours of the region during the summer bushfire crisis, donating their dressing rooms for the use of showers for those who lost homes. Their grounds became makeshift refuge areas for residents, pets and wildlife as fires destroyed the region.

Bears participants also helped fight fires and rebuild the community after the bushfires were extinguished. Despite the bushfires and COVID-19 the club registered 50 male and female teams in the Midwest Cup Competitions.

Grassroots Club of the Year 2020 – Finalists

Lithgow Bears Rugby League Football Club (Western Region) WINNER

Central Charlestown Junior Rugby League Football Club (Newcastle)

Dirranbandi Junior Rugby League (Balonne)

Grassroots Club of the Year Award

Proudly supported by Your local club, the Grassroots Club of the Year is presented to a rugby league club that has fostered participation and enjoyment at all levels, has become an integral part of their community, and has shown innovation in administration.