The National Rugby League (NRL) has today announced that nominations are open for the NRL Community Awards 2025, proudly presented by Westpac. For the first time nominations include award categories for Coaches and Match Officials.
Established in 2007, the NRL Community Awards celebrate the unsung heroes of Rugby League, acknowledging the efforts of individuals and organisations within the game who exemplify the spirit of community.
The annual program shines the spotlight on volunteers, coaches, community club administrators, match officials, and teachers to recognise their tireless efforts to keep the game thriving within their local communities.
The awards also provide an opportunity for the Rugby League community to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions that current NRL and NRLW players make in their communities.
The elite categories of the NRL Community Awards include the Ken Stephen Medal for Man of the Year, won last year by Sharks half Nicho Hynes, and the Veronica White Medal for Woman of the Year, which was claimed by St George Illawarra’s Kimberley Hunt.
Nominations for the grassroots categories are open to the public and will this year feature brand new awards for Community Coach and Community Match Official of the Year.
NRL Andrew Abdo said: “We are proud to honour Rugby League community champions, the men and women that contribute so much to game, especially at local community and junior clubs. With the continued support of Westpac, we will be sharing the incredible stories of commitment, passion and community spirit from the unsung heroes across the country.”
Westpac General Manager of Commercial Banking, Shane Howell said: “We’re proud to support the NRL Community Awards at Westpac, because community is at the centre of everything we do.
“The nominees for these awards are the real heroes of the game, working tirelessly for their communities as the driving force behind rugby league at a local level, and they deserve to be celebrated.”
The 2025 NRL Community Awards grassroots categories are as follows:
Young Person of the Year: A young person aged 12–24 who serves as a positive role model and demonstrates the qualities of a future leader.
Volunteer of the Year: A registered volunteer who provides exceptional service to the game and makes a measurable difference in their community.
Teacher of the Year: A teacher who demonstrates exceptional support of rugby league, encouraging participation in rugby league both on the field and in-classroom.
Women in League Award: An individual who advocates for the advancement and opportunities of women in Rugby League.
Indigenous Community Award: An individual who champions the growth of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ participation in Rugby League.
Community Rugby League Club of the Year: A club that enhances participation and enjoyment of Rugby League within its members and the broader community.
Community Coach of the Year: A coach who makes a significant contribution to fostering a positive, safe, and inclusive Rugby League environment.
Community Match Official of the Year: A match official who exemplifies character and fairness in their role within Rugby League.
Each award winner will have their award presented in front of their community, as well as being honoured on stage at the 2025 NRL and NRLW Telstra Premiership Grand Final.
Further information on the NRL Community Awards is available here: Official NRL Community Awards & Information | Community
