A key figurehead in one of the game’s leading institutions to support disadvantaged and marginalised youth, and the founding editor of an historic Rugby League publication are among 10 members of the Rugby League community to receive 2026 King’s Birthday honours.
Sydney’s David Dinte was awarded an AM for significant service to the not-for-profit-sector, to the Jewish community, and to children, where his role as Souths Cares Director since 2015 was highlighted among the list of valuable contributions he has made in his community.
Mr Dinte currently serves as President of NextSense (formerly the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children) where he has stood on the Board of Directors since 2020.
Elsewhere, Bowral’s Geoff Prenter received an OAM for services to print media as a sports journalist. Prenter was the founding editor of the iconic Rugby League Week magazine in 1970 and served in the role until 1981 when NRL Hall of Fame member Ian Heads took over.
Mr Prenter started his print career in the late 1950’s with The Daily Telegraph before moving to The Sun newspaper in 1965. He was a member of the judging panel for the NRL Immortals from 1981 to 2017.
Several other members of the Rugby League family were also recognised today for their contributions in the areas of community, youth, sports administration and Rugby League.
Each of the names below were counted among the OAM recipients across the country:
William Curnoe, NSW – for service to Rugby League through his 60-year involvement in Group 12 Rugby League and specifically the Central Coast Referee’s Association.
Leo Frame, Tamborine, QLD – for services to youth and Rugby League through various junior and senior coaching roles with the Beenleigh and Helensvale Rugby League clubs.
Eric Galloway, Belrose, NSW – for service to sport, particularly Rugby League through his 50-year involvement as a volunteer with the Belrose Eagles and Manly District JRL.
Greg Harris, Clovelly, NSW – for service to sports administration. Mr Harris was the Chair of the National Rugby League’s Education and Welfare Committee from 2003 to 2008.
Owen Kilpatrick, Charlestown, NSW – for services to the superannuation industry and Rugby League through his 60-year association with the Wests Magpies a player, director and life member. Mr Kilpatrick served as Chair of the Wests Group from 2006 to 2023.
James Maguire, Sylvania, NSW – for services to gymnastics and Rugby League through various roles from manager through to ground supervisor with the St George District Junior Rugby League as well as player, coach, life member and president at Renown United JRLFC.
Kenneth Roma, QLD – for service to veterans. Mr Roma was a long-term coach, administrator and director of Aspley Rugby League Club.
Fawaz Sankari, Greenacre, NSW – for service to community, including through his long-term contribution as a board member and volunteer trainer for Greenacre Tigers JRLFC.
Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V’landys AM said the game was immensely proud of its latest Honours recipients.
“We congratulate all members of the Rugby League community who have received special recognition today for their incredible contribution to the game and in other areas of their community.
“It is always a highlight of the year after these awards are announced to read about the careers and the extraordinary contributions of people within our game.
"Many of them have dedicated a huge part of their life to Rugby League as a player, match official, volunteer, coach, administrator, or in the media.
“Each one of this year’s Honours recipients have, in their own unique way, contributed to making Rugby League and their communities stronger and we thank them for their service and dedication to the game.”
