Peter Matheson has given much of his life to rugby league.
For 30 years he has enjoyed stints as a club president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, coach and trainer with St Josephs, helping hundreds of young players to play the game they love.
Matheson was acknowledged for his year’s of dedication last month when he was awarded the prestigious Gordon Lowrie Volunteer of the Year honour at the annual NSWRL Volunteer of the Year awards.
The night honoured rugby league’s heart and soul – its volunteers – recognising their invaluable contribution to the game, with Matheson – a stalwart of the Joeys club – winning the main award for more than 30 years of service.
NSWRL CEO David Trodden said the night was one of the most special on the game’s calendar each year.
“Without volunteers our great sport would simply not exist. It’s only with the help of these truly wonderful people does this game continue to grow,” he said.
“For these volunteers, it’s about what they can give, not what they can make of it. That’s the essential nature of these remarkable people.”
Matheson was also honoured with the Cronulla Junior Rugby League’s Phil Murray club Volunteer of the Year award.
Cathy Crowe received the St George Junior Rugby League’s Robert Stone Memorial Award for her service to the game.
Crowe began her association with the St George junior league in 1993, initially as a keen parent watching her son play.
She soon joined the committee at St Joseph’s before doing the same at Penshurst.
Crowe went on to be elected secretary of Penshurst RSL and provided great leadership to the club.
In 2004, Crowe became the secretary with the St George JRL, a position she still holds, having spent countless hours performing the role while maintaining a full time job looking after NSWRL referees and her family commitments.
Crowe was awarded life membership of the St George JRL and was the first female to be awarded life membership of the St George District Rugby League.
Crowe is also a life member of the NSW Junior League Association.