Cramlington Rockets and Gateshead Storm lead the way with nine nominations each in the awards that cover both the on-field exploits of the region as well as the efforts of the numerous volunteers throughout the year.

A total of ten clubs are represented, with Catterick Crusaders also featuring heavily with seven nominees. Yarm Wolves, a new club this season, have two nominees of their own.

There are several intriguing match ups throughout the categories, including the region’s two most successful coaches, Cramlington’s Jordan Robinson and Gateshead’s Ieuan Bodman, who have collected six trophies between them this year.

“We are delighted to have so many nominated again” said Rockets Chairman, Jeff Ball.

“What strikes me is the range of clubs recognised and the many positive stories it points to. With such a range of people involved in the sport locally, it is no wonder more and more people across the UK are looking to the North East as how to grow the sport in a new area.

Thanks must also go to the NERL Management group and the RFL who are putting together the awards once again and of course have steered us through another good season. Roll on 8th September now.”

The awards night will be held at Kingston Park on Friday 8th September at 18:30 and will include a three course meal. Please speak to your community club about booking on one of the club tables.

Shortlist in full:

Spirit of the Community Award

Jen & Baz Egglestone (Durham Tigers)
Michelle Scott (Whitley Bay Barbarians)
Chloe Bell (Gateshead Storm)

Referee Of The Year

Adam Houston
Gavin Houston
Jordan Robinson

Volunteer Of The Year

Steve Lamb (Cramlington Rockets)
Geoff & Michelle Hurst (Gateshead Storm)
Rob Jones (Gateshead Storm)
Toby Bell (Whitley Bay Barbarians)
Emma Smith (Catterick Crusaders)
Helen Taylor (Peterlee Pumas)

Junior Coach Of The Year

Alan Stevenson (Wallsend Eagles U16’s)
Christian Button (Catterick Crusaders U12’s)
Jordan Robinson (Cramlington Rockets U16’s Black)
Phil Shaw (Yarm Wolves U14’s)
Ieuan Bodman (Gateshead Storm U14’s)
Sharon McCoy (Whitley Bay Barbarians)

Men’s Coach Of The Year

Stephen Bradley (Wallsend Eagles)
George Taylor (Jarrow Vikings)
Dave Townend (Cramlington Rockets)
Jason Grant (Catterick Crusaders)

Young Player Of The Year

Jared Poole (Catterick Crusaders)
James McGurk (Jarrow Vikings)
Jack Redfern (Cramlington Rockets)
James Cook (Durham Demons)
Alex Coxon (Peterlee Pumas)

Player Of The Year

Louis Platt (Cramlington Rockets)
Derick Worthington (Jarrow Vikings)
Neil Emmerson (Gateshead Storm)
Marc Willey (Durham Demons)
Austin Phillips (Wallsend Eagles)

U12’s Player Of The Year

Joe Dunham (Cramlington Rockets)
Bryce Dixon (Whitley Bay Barbarians)
Finley Wilkinson (Cramlington Rockets)
Xander Connelly (Catterick Crusaders)
Lewis Urwin (Gateshead Storm)

U14’s Player Of The Year

Dan O'Rielly (Catterick Crusaders)
Elliot Shaw (Yarm Wolves)
Jake Anderson (Gateshead Storm)
Cameron Young (Whitley Bay Barbarians)
Tyler Hepple (Gateshead Storm)

U16 Player Of The Year

Tyler Walton (Wallsend Eagles)
Will Todd (Durham Tigers)
Nathan Clemmitt (Cramlington Rockets)
Rupart Civil (Catterick Crusaders)
Alex Donaghy (Cramlington Rockets)
Matthew Hurst (Gateshead Storm)