About The Awards /

The 2025 nominations are now closed.

Established in 2007, the ljmpta.community Awards have become the most significant opportunity for our game's unsung heroes such as volunteer, coaches, community club administrators, referees, teachers, and young people in our game to receive the recognition they deserve for the tireless work they do in the community.

The Awards also provide an opportunity for the rugby league community to acknowledge and celebrate the contribution that our elite NRL and NRLW players make in their communities off the field and showcase how they use their platform to give back and enrich the lives of the people around them. The elite Categories of the Community Awards include:

• Ken Stephen Medal – Man of the Year
• Veronica White Medal – Woman of the Year

Nominations for the Grassroots categories are open to the public and are received from our State Leagues, NRL Clubs, and NRL Game Development staff. Over the years, the Awards have evolved with different categories showcased. In 2025, we have introduced 2 new categories: Community Coach of the Year and Community Match Official of the Year.

The 2025 Grassroots Community Award categories are:

• 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 year, the NRL dedicates and ensures the winning individual is presented the award in front of their community, surrounded by those who know and appreciate their efforts to the game of rugby league.