Volunteer of the Year /

The 2026 State Nominations open soon!

As part of the NRL Community Awards presented by Westpac, the Volunteer of the Year will have provided exceptional service to the game and made a measurable difference in their community.

The nominee must demonstrate the NRL's beliefs of we are: Inclusive, Positive, United and Disciplined, as well as a unique contribution to their community through rugby league.

2025 NRL Volunteer of the Year - Roger Whyte

With more than 30 years of volunteer service, Roger has been a driving force in Rugby League Townsville & District (RLTD), contributing more than 30 hours a week across all levels of the game.

He led the unification of Towns

ville’s junior and senior competitions, strengthening governance and community connection. In 2024, Roger launched the Helping Hands Mentoring Program, supporting at-risk youth through Rugby League, in partnership with agencies like Queensland Police, NRL and Headspace.

Roger has championed access for Palm Island juniors, securing funding to remove financial barriers and enabling the historic inclusion of an Under 15 team in 2024. He has also driven female participation, introducing a dedicated Under 12 girls competition and expanding opportunities for Under 18s.

His commitment to equity extends to remote communities, personally sponsoring young players from Doomadgee, Mornington Island and Mt Isa to attend elite pathways like the RISE Remote Carnival.

Through his leadership, RLTD clubs received grants for sustainability, investment in grassroots and essential safety measures including Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for all clubs.

Roger truly embodies the values of Rugby League and continues to make a difference for all involved in Rugby League Townsville & District.