Thrift was named Volunteer of the Year at the gala event at Point Point on Saturday, after 40 years of work with the Coolah Kangaroos club.

Thrift  featured alongside Narellan Jets’ Cheryl DiBella, Female Volunteer of the Year and the Gunning Roos, Club of the Year, when receiving the awards from Country Rugby League Chairman John Anderson.

“I’m thrilled,” Thrift said.

“I thought it was a hoax when they called to tell me I was nominated, but I’m really happy and overawed by it all to be honest.

“I’ve been involved in the game for over 40 years as a player, coach and official I still get excited about it even though I’m not playing.

“I’m not usually lost for words, but receiving this award sent a tingle up my spine to be honest… It’s been wonderful to meet the other nominees who do such a fantastic job in their community.”

It was just rewards of Thrift, who has been involved with the club he loves for roughly four decades and he played an instrumental role in bringing senior league back to the club.

The Kangaroos returned to the Castlereagh League in 2012 after a 12-year absence.

Female Volunteer of the Year Cheryl DiBella also stated she was shocked to receive the award after 39 years of volunteering with the club that was founded by her father – the Narellan Jets.

“Rugby league is my life,” she said.

“My parents started the club, my brothers were the ball-boys and my first job was being the sand-girl.

“I’m just in shock… I don’t do it for awards; I just do it because I love football.”

The Gunning Roos claimed the inaugural title of ‘CRL Club of the Year’ after having returned to their local competition after a 15-year hiatus.

Roos President Ian Blackburn was on hand to collect the award on his club’s behalf,

“We started from scratch this year and it’s been a big journey but the local community and our fans created a tsunami of support for our side and everyone’s gotten behind us,” said Blackburn.

The club were also recognised for their fundraising efforts in the community, including their work with Beyond Blue.

CRL Chairman John Anderson praised the work of not only the six nominees on the night, but the thousands of Country Rugby League volunteer’s across the state.

“Volunteers are the heart and soul of Country Rugby League,” said Anderson.

“I cannot thank our volunteers enough, except to say that without them – we wouldn’t have the great game of Rugby League that we all love.

“Being nominated as an outstanding contributor in your region is a special achievement and our nominees can be extremely proud of their efforts.”