The Pirtek Parramatta Eels and Clubman of the Year Krisnan Inu are in line for recognition at the second annual One Community Awards, to be held at Sydney’s Luna Park on Thursday.

Inu is in the running for the pinnacle award of the evening, the Telstra Ken Stephen Medal, which is presented to the player who has demonstrated outstanding service to Rugby League both on and off the field over the previous 12 months.

The Eels meanwhile are one of just four clubs nominated for the Telstra One Community NRL Club of the Year award, alongside the New Zealand Warriors, Gold Coast Titans, and Penrith Panthers, with the winner to receive $10,000 to go towards its community programs and training for community relations staff.

During 2008 the “Eels Out & About in the Community” program was launched, which was designed to give back to the people of Western Sydney through interaction with the club, its players and staff.

Over the past 12 months Eels players and staff have spent in excess of 700 hours face to face in the community and have also donated over 1200 items to be used in fundraising by community, educational and charitable organisations.

The awards ceremony, which was hailed as one of the best events on the Rugby League calendar in 2007, will also feature the presentation of the Toyota National Volunteer of the Year award, the Harvey Norman Women in League achievement award, and five other community awards.

Significantly, the night honours the mums and dads, canteen workers, volunteer coaches and club officials, referees and development officers for their tireless contribution to the game.

“There have been some outstanding off-field achievements in Rugby League this year and tonight we pay tribute to those unsung heroes who dedicate their lives to the game,” NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, said.

This year there were more than 200 nominations for the eight awards, with finalists from all levels of the game from across Australia.

The 2008 One Community Awards finalists are:

• The Telstra Ken Stephen Medal – Telstra will give $5000 to the winner and $5000 to their favourite charity – Carl Webb (Cowboys); Jarrad Hickey (Bulldogs); Josh Miller (Raiders); Ben Ross (Sharks); Chris Walker (Titans); Preston Campbell (Titans); Mark Bryant (Sea Eagles); Brett White (Storm); Cory Paterson (Knights); Steve Michaels (Broncos); Krisnan Inu (Eels); Geoff Daniela (Panthers); Kirk Reynoldson (Dragons); Jamie Simpson (Rabbitohs); Lopini Paea (Roosters); Micheal Luck (Warriors); John Morris (Wests Tigers).

• Telstra One Community NRL Club of the Year – Telstra will provide $10,000 toward the winning club’s community program and/or staff development training for community relations staff – Warriors; Titans; Panthers; Eels.

• Telstra One Community Grassroots Club of the Year – Telstra will provide two Telstra Assistance Packs valued at $3000 plus $2000 – Biloela Panthers RFC; Hay Magpies RL; De La Salle Caringbah; Willoughby Roos; Narrabri and District JRLC. 

• Harvey Norman Women In League Achievement Award – Paid – Harvey Norman will provide a $5000 Harvey Norman gift voucher – Debbie Brewin (ARLD); Yvette Downey (NSWRL); Pat Bailey (Cairns District Rugby League); Jodie Cross (Titans).

• Harvey Norman Women In League Achievement Award – Volunteer – Harvey Norman will provide a $5000 Harvey Norman gift voucher – Annie Banks (AWRL); Desley Oates (Cities RLFC); Janiece Fowler-Eruera (Group 16).

• Toyota National Volunteer of the Year – Toyota will provide $5000 to the winner and $5000 to their club – Janice Boys (North Stradbroke Island RLFC); Bob Beveage (QLD); Majella Morris (QLD); Dave Penna (QLD); Paul McMillan (QLD); David and Cheryl Smith (NSW); Fred Beedle (Campbelltown Warriors JRLFC); Wayne Potts (NSW); Mark Dowel (NSW); Janiece Fowler-Eruera (Group 16); Barry Tozer (Group 19); Mark Harrison (Group 18); Tony Goldman (Group 21); Neil Millgate (Group 11).

•  AAMI Service to the Community Award – AAMI will provide $5000 to go toward their community program – Coogee Dolphins; Danny Byrnes (Hay Magpies); Dean Gillard (Kick4Kids Foundation).

• AAMI Service to Refereeing Award – AAMI will give $2500 to the winning referee – Colin White (Western Suburbs District RL Referees Association); Wayne Scot (Gold Coast Referees); Rod Bowd (Group 21 RL Referee's Association).

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