LIFE MEMBERS
Association Life Membership is bestowed on individual PDRLA members and natural persons. It acknowledges and gives recognition to those whose continuous and outstanding contribution to the Association and/or Physical Disability Rugby League has had a significant impact – providing a measurable benefit and advancement to the Association or Physical Disability Rugby League in Australia.
2018
George Tonna
George, the PDRLA founder, was nominated by Patricia Spennati to become our first life member. She valued and was enthused by his impact and influence for the advancement of Physical Disability Rugby League in Australia since 2010.
George began PDRL in Australia and assisted its advancement through continually seeking opportunities and working hard to promote and seek donations, sponsorship and support; to ensure the Association grew and members are able to play the game they love.
George accepted his life membership on the 19/04/2018.
2019
Aldo Spennati
Aldo has assisted the advancement of PDRL in Australia since 2014, through continued game day work, organisation, player support and donations to ensure the Association thrives and members are able to play each season.
He also seeks donations and support from businesses and proudly promotes the Association and PDRL within his workplace.
Aldo accepted his life membership on the 05/05/2019.
2019
Patricia Spennati
(Trish)
Trish has assisted the advancement of PDRL in Australia since 2014, through her values and actions while dealing with other Board members and members and their families. Also by regularly fundraising and securing donations and sponsorship from businesses. She has gained support for PDRLA within the NRL, NSWRL and wider community.
Trish was nominated for and awarded the NSWRL Inclusive Volunteer of the Year for 2018 for her contributions to the Association and the game of rugby league.
Trish accepted her life membership on the 05/05/2019.
2021
Dave Smith
Dave has delivered continual distinguished service since the Association’s inception and loyalty to the Association and its members in various Board, committee and other volunteer roles including game day ground manager and team coach.
He has assisted the advancement of PDRL in Australia through initially assisting George Tonna with the establishment of the Association in 2010. He then continued assisting on game day, with tasks and organisation, also player support, coaching a team and assisting with rules and player classification through his knowledge of the game of rugby league.
David was nominated for and awarded NSWRL Inclusive Volunteer of the Year for 2019 for his contributions to the Association and the game of rugby league.
Dave accepted his life membership on the 31/03/2021.
2021
Keith Povah
Since 2011, Keith has assisted the advancement of PDRL in Australia through continued refereeing for the Association’s annual competition and representative and international games. Keith has also worked with International PDRL organisations, providing advice and guidance on the rules of the game.
He volunteered on the Board for six years and has spent time in the Competition Committee and assisted with PDRL representative player selection criteria, competition and international rules and PDRL player classification.
In 2018, Keith was nominated for the NSWRL Les Matthews Referee Volunteer of the Year.
And in 2019 nominated for the NSWRL Inclusive Volunteer of the Year for his contributions to the Association and the game of rugby league.
Keith accepted his life membership on the 03/04/2021.
2019 NSWRL Inclusive Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Dave Smith.
Nominees are those that have shown a measured contribution to one of the many NSW Inclusive Rugby League programs.
Left to Right: Martin Shanahan (NSWRL Football Projects Officer)
Nominees – Keith Povah (NSWPDRLA), Steve Hewson (NSW Wheelchair RL), Dave Smith (NSWPDRLA) and John Mannah (Como Jannali Jnr RL Club).
PDRLA appreciates Dave and Keiths’ support and time; and the integral part both play throughout the season. We also thank their families – who give up time with them, so they can make game day happen for the players.