THE amazing work of two Group Seven entities has been recognised after they were respectively shortlisted for two Country Rugby League community awards.
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In the Volunteer of the Year category, Mount Warrigal Kooris' Russell Roger Henry has been named as one of six finalists for the awards.
Russell is the current coach of Kooris third grade team and is also one of three founders of the club when they reformed in 2017 - which has since won back-to-back premierships.
Not only does Russell coach, but he also sets up the home field every weekend which involves carrying heavy temporary fencing.
Russell's club, one of Group Seven's Indigenous based sides, provides an avenue for aboriginals to play the sport they love while representing their culture.
Others to be nominated alongside Russell are Lillian Hagan (Denman Devils Junior Rugby League), Mark Harrison (Cudgen Hornets), Thomas George Hickey (Dudley Redhead Magpies Junior Rugby League), Craig Parsons (Kandos Waratahs) and Raymond 'Ack' Weyman (Moruya Sharks).
Russell isn't the only Group Seven entity nominated for an award, with the Sussex Inlet and District Rugby League Football Club being shortlisted for Club of the Year.
The Panthers participate in numerous charity and fundraising events annually and provide a voice for the community during times of struggle and hardship.
They participates in the annual Choppers for Charity event, which is a fundraiser for Careflight, initiated by the people of Sussex Inlet 17 years ago.
Since 2015, their junior player numbers have increased from 31 registered players to 88 players in 2019.
Sussex Inlet are up against Manilla Minor Rugby League, Kyogle Junior Rugby League, West Wallsend Junior Rugby League, Menindee Yabbies and Tathra Sea Eagles for the award.
Finally, the nominees, from the six different regions for the Women in League award are Bianca Johnston (Muswellbrook District Junior Rugby League), Kerry Lee (Group One Junior Rugby League), Nunzia Galloway (Maitland and District Junior Rugby League Association), Sue Egan (Dubbo and District Junior Rugby League), Alysha Janssen (Berkeley Eagles) and Barbara Pfeiffer (Valley Dragons Junior Rugby League).
The 18 shortlisted nominees will descend on the Holiday Inn Potts Point on Saturday, August 24 for the awards presentation.