Celebrating the heart of the game: 2026 Westpac Community Volunteer Awards
The elite game doesn't exist without the grassroots. Every Origin star, every sold-out night at Suncorp Stadium, traces back to a local club somewhere in Queensland, and to the volunteers who keep that club running. It's their hard work that creates a rugby league environment where Queenslanders can play the game they love and then grow up to either play or watch that same game at the highest level.
Rugby league in Queensland runs on the people who show up week after week. The ones who wash the jerseys, run the canteen, coach in their communities, and keep clubs standing in towns big and small.
On the eve of Origin Game III, QRL brought seven of these extraordinary volunteers to Brisbane to celebrate their hard work and dedication, and to say thank you.
This year's Westpac Community Volunteer Awards recognised outstanding contributions from every corner of the state:
Westpac Volunteer of the Year – Marleis Sparey (SEQ), Waterford RLFC
XXXX Community Club of the Year – Warwick Cowboys JRL (Central)
Westpac Young Person of the Year – Abbey Cox (Northern/Cap), Mt Isa JRL
Westpac Contribution to the Female Game – Tiana Horswood (Central), Chinchilla Bulldogs JRL
Westpac Contribution to Officiating – Jacob Dash (Northern/Cap), Central Highlands Referees
Westpac Indigenous Community Award – Rothana Baira (Northern/Cap), Townsville Blackhawks
Westpac Community Coach of the Year – Tolson Loram (Northern/Cap), North Rockhampton JRL
Each winner represents hundreds of volunteers across Queensland who give their time, energy and heart to rugby league without ever expecting anything in return.
The start of Origin week was our chance to make sure they knew just how much that means.
The celebrations began with a Q&A alongside QRL's regional community teams, giving our winners the chance to share their stories and reflect on what community footy means to them.
The group watched the QLD Maroons Captain's Run up close, meeting several players and coach Billy Slater which was a genuine full-circle moment for volunteers who spend their own time coaching, refereeing and organising for the very sport these Origin legends play at the highest level.
The celebrations continued at the Maroons Clubhouse at the Caxton Hotel, with the group hearing from Queensland legends Allan ‘Alfie’ Langer, Ben Te’o, Tess James and Nate Myles.
At a dedicated awards breakfast, each recipient was formally presented with a Maroons jersey, a playing ball and their award trophy. Small tokens for a contribution that's anything but small.
A behind-the-scenes tour of the Suncorp Stadium sheds followed, giving our winners a rare look at the space where Queensland's biggest rugby league moments are made.
The final thank you to our deserving award recipients was watching the State of Origin Game III decider at Suncorp Stadium, surrounded by the passion and energy of Queensland’s rugby league community.
Every one of this year's winners has given something rugby league can't put a price on: time, consistency, and genuine care for the players and communities around them. The Westpac Community Volunteer Awards exist because that dedication deserves to be seen and celebrated, not just at grand final presentations or committee meetings, but on the biggest stage rugby league in this state has to offer.
To Marleis, the Warwick Cowboys JRLFC, Abbey, Tiana, Jacob, Rothana and Tolson, congratulations, and thank you for everything you do for the game we love.
Want to be part of it?
Rugby league in Queensland doesn't happen without volunteers. Whether it's coaching a junior team, managing the canteen, running the gate on game day, or taking on a committee role, every hour given makes a difference to a club and a community.
If you've ever thought about getting involved, there's no better time to start. Reach out to your local club or visit the QRL website to find out how you can become a rugby league volunteer today.
