Country Rugby League (CRL) will acknowledge a number of its most valuable contributors this weekend in Sydney.

Six finalists are in the running for Volunteer of the Year and Club of the Year after regional voting nominations were received.

The Magpies will be the Greater Northern representative.

“Merriwa is commemorating 50 years this season and there’s been plenty of reason to celebrate for the small club, with registrations rising 158 per cent in recent times,” a CRL spokesman said.

“The Magpies have 11 sides playing tackle and league tag in 2017 – thanks to a small band of local volunteers who work tirelessly to provide opportunities for young people in the district to play rugby league each and every year.

“If the club is unable to field enough numbers for an age group, members are known to happily take players to nearby towns to ensure they are able to play the game, even if it can’t be in their colours.

“The CRL is extremely thankful for the contributions volunteers make to the game and the fantastic work that the clubs do in their communities, both on and off the field.”

The winners will be revealed at Holiday Inn Potts Point on Saturday, August 5.

Western Region – Matt Guan (Dunedoo Swans)

Greater Southern Region – Colin Shingles (Cooma Stallions)

Bidgee Region – Michael Kirkman (Group 9 JRL)

East Coast Region – Lorraine Jessop (Forster-Tuncurry JRL)

Newcastle and Central Coast Region – Susan Moodie (Western Suburbs Newcastle)

Greater Northern Region – Jeanette Hillier (Glen Innes Magpies)

Western Region – Carbonne United Roos Junior Rugby League

Greater Southern Region – Berry-Shoalhaven Heads

Bidgee Region – Lake Cargelligo Sharks Junior Rugby League

East Coast Region – Sawtell Panthers Junior Rugby League

Newcastle and Central Coast – Dudley-Redhead Magpies Junior Rugby League

Greater Northern – Merriwa Junior Rugby League