Cooktown Junior Rugby League was recognised for an outstanding 2018 season at the weekend, with the club taking out Cook Shire Council's Australia Day Sports Award.
The Cooktown Crocs had increased junior participation last year, which included their first female team, the Under 14s, joining the ranks; and the community celebrated rugby league in July with the club hosting the Intrust Super Cup "Get in the Game" Country Week clash between Northern Pride and Ipswich Jets.
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President John 'Chook' Giese said the 10 dedicated volunteers at Cooktown, and the volunteers at Hope Vale, helped keep children playing the game.
"The more kids playing, the better," Giese said, adding winning the award was nice after such a big year.
Two junior volunteers at the club, William Bliss and Dylan Gilmore, were also nominated for awards, and Gilmore took out the Cooktown Shire Council 2019 Young Citizen of the Year.
Gilmore is heavily involved with the Cooktown club, as a past player and most recently as a volunteer LeagueSafe trainer and referee.
"He has come right through the ranks," Giese said.
"He couldn't play at the club any more, but staying involved... he's a great kid."
QRL Northern Region manager Scott Nosworthy said "congratulations to John 'Chook' Giese and Kim Giese, Cooktown JRL and the community for supporting and acknowledging the contribution rugby league makes in the region".
