Regional coach of the year finalists recognised

It's sometimes easily understated how big an influence rugby league coaches have on those who play the greatest game of all.

No matter the age, whether it's an under 6 just starting out or a 38-year-old seasoned veteran, the leader with the clipboard is there to provide advice, guidance, a helping hand or the occasional words of encouragement to make the participant a better player on the field and a better person off it.

Typically, they are a mother or father figure to help shape young lives and spend countless hours each week making a difference all for the love of the game.

To reflect and celebrate this, the BHP Community Coach of the Year recognises and rewards a community rugby league coach who goes above and beyond to display the QRL values - 'we are positive, we are united, we are inclusive, we are disciplined' - to better rugby league in Queensland.

With nominations now closed, the regional finalists have been announced, with the state winner to be unveiled this Wednesday, August 18.

QRL North

Nathan Woods - Mossman JRL

Typically, most junior coaches are connected to their local club through their children, but Woods is not. His personal passion for the game through his own experiences as a player and his love of the sport that has seen him coaching for the past 15 years, volunteering his time and coaching a variety of age groups - this year coaching the under 6s, 7s and 15s.

His contribution, having mentored hundreds of kids in his time has created pathways for junior players from the grassroots level to some reaching regional and representative levels, including Northern Pride academy squads and Intrust Super Cup teams.

Mossman - a regional community located 75 kilometres north of Cairns - is a diverse population with a high percentage of indigenous youth. Woods loves the opportunity to work with these kids of all ages and teach them much more than football skills. He has a positive and enthusiastic approach to what he does and takes the opportunity to educate them in morals, team building, self-confidence and life skills through his coaching.

With the teams consisting of both boys and girls, mixed races and various socio-economic level families, Woods takes a broad approach to ensure all families are included and each participant is equally provided opportunities of participation in the sport. He recognises and encourages each child in a way that capitalises on their differences, while encouraging effort above all else.

QRL Central

Ben Palmer - Longreach JRL

Hailing from the state's central west, Palmer is the president and under 13s coach at the Longreach Tigers. He has been tireless in his work to bring together junior league teams in the region, in particular travelling in excess of thousands of kilometres to transport and coach under 13, 15 and 17 age groups in the Central Highlands junior competitions.

The logistics of bringing so many players who live at least 100 kilometres apart from Winton, Blackall, Barcaldine and Longreach to play together as a team is a huge job in itself, let alone actually getting these kids to the games.

At the local junior clusters, he ensures all teams short of players are given the opportunity to have game time with another team. He also makes sure all travelling teams have enough game time to make their travel worthwhile and does not like to see anyone missing out nor getting enough game time.

Palmer is the epitome of QRL's beliefs, continuing to provide quality football opportunities to young players in the region and works tirelessly not only for the local Longreach club but supporting Central West Rugby League as a whole.

QRL South East

Dylan Slater - Brighton Roosters

As the Brighton Roosters president, Slater exudes loyalty, compassion, empathy and determination in all the tasks he completes for rugby league, especially as a coach.

As a mentor to number of junior sides as well as the Roosters' BRL Premier A Grade outfit, his love for the pathway his club has created from juniors to seniors is second to none.

He also voluntarily runs the clubhouse licensed venue and is a huge advocate for Indigenous and Pacifika players to join the Roosters and participate in the greatest game of all.