LIFE MEMBERS
Meet some of the heroes behind this great sport
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.
George Tonna
2018
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 19th of April 2018.
Years With PDRLA? 2010 – Present
How did you become involved?
I was one the founder of the association, and have been the chairman, as well as a player.
Fondest Memories?
Representing Australia in the sport, as well as being one of 7 people to play over 100 games. Other than that, being able to watch others play the sport I created and opening doors for further opportunities. Making long life friends is equally as important.
What does being a life member mean to you?
Privilege and honour to be recognised for my contribution to the game and organisation. Especially being next to the other life members is an honour
Aldo Spennati
2019
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 5th of May 2019.
Years With PDRLA? 2014 – Present
How did you become involved?
Aldo became involved with the PDRLA when he met George Tonna, Merik Gliezer and David Gretch at a come and try day at Wetherill Park. Out of all the sports Marco tried, he chose rugby league. At the time I was coaching All Age Ladies Division 1 soccer and was invited to coach one of the founding teams (Stingrays) at the PDRL and have been ever since.
Fondest Memories?
There are so many. I’II just mention a couple. Firstly being able to play rugby league( as an AB, Able Body) with my son, (both with him and against him). The competition itself. The overseas trip to New Zealand and all the rep. games we’ve played. BUT IN PARTICULAR…..It seeing the joy on all the players faces as they’re having so much fun.
What does being a life member mean to you?
Being a life member is humbling. It’s overwhelming to be recognised by the members and given this recognition. I / we just do what we do and expect no rewards.
2019
Patricia (Trish) Spennati
Trish has assisted with the advancement of PDRL in Australia since 2014, through her values and actions while collaborating with other Board members as well as members and their families. Trish has also supported PDRL 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 5th of May 2019.
Years With PDRLA? 2014 – Present
How did you become involved?
We took our son Marco to an open day at Wetherill Park where we meet George Tonna & Merik Gliezer. We were looking for a modified sport for our son as he has Cerebral Palsy & George was so encouraging & passionate about the game, he convinced us to come to a game. I was then invited to one of the Board meetings as a guest and was then asked to become the Treasurer.
Fondest Memories?
Our first trip overseas to play a game against New Zealand PDRL, what a memorable one it was. The welcoming of our members at the airport (which bought me to tears) & how they embraced all of us one big family. How we got to know on a more personal basis about our players & their passion for the game and some of the families who came along.
What does being a life member mean to you?
It means the world to me to be recognised by all the members that they all appreciated what I bought to the Association & all the work I put in to make their experiences special. Have made so many wonderful people with the same passion as me.
Dave Smith
2021
Dave has delivered continuously distinguished service since the Association’s inception, as well as 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 continued assisting on game day, with tasks and organisation, 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 31st of March 2021.
Years With PDRLA? 2010 – Present
How did you become involved?
George Tonna had the idea to create the game and reached out to those who were interested. I jumped at the chance to be a part of it as I saw an opportunity for my son who has a physical disability to play the game he loves. I sat on the board in the early days and then moved to coaching and football operations.
Fondest Memories?
My fondest memories are many , on and off the field, but I’d have say watching guys come to our game ( young and older)and develop their physical skills and self-esteem. The connection with new families is also very important.
What does being a life member mean to you?
Being a life member is a special privilege that I take seriously, and never take for granted. Very proud to be a life member of Physical Disability Rugby League
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.
Keith volunteered on the Board for six years and has spent time in the Competition Committee. He has also 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.
He was 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 3rd of April 2021.
Years With PDRLA? 2012 – Present
How did you become involved?
Initially as a parent of a playing member. This soon developed into a volunteer and, because I have a refereeing background, this continued as a referee, board member and classification committee member.
Fondest Memories?
There have been many fond memories. In particular trips to the NSW Country as part of the NSW City Country festivals where I remember a passage of play in Tamworth during a half time exhibition that would have graced the NRL, to the Gold Coast as part of the preparation for World Cup and to England for the World Cup itself where I saw players lift under adversity to compete with players with significantly less disability than they had.
What does being a life member mean to you?
It’s rewarding to be acknowledged by your peers for your efforts so far but also a reminder of how far we still have to go on our journey to maximise the impact of Rugby League for people with physical disabilities.
2023
Craig Anderson
Years With PDRLA? Player 2014 – 2019. Newtown Coach 2020 to present.
How did you become involved?
I was working at the UNSW Faculty of Medicine with a good friend of Che’s. He told me about the league and I went down to went down to see them at the Cabra 9’s around 2013. I had a look at what was involved and thought why not.
Fondest Memories?
Being Assistant Coach of the Australian PDRL team in the very first World Cup was an honour! Also making friends with all of the players and volunteers (past and present). It feels one big family. On a personal note, representing Australia in Redcliffe at the Commonwealth Championships.
What does being a life member mean to you?
I am still shell shocked over the decision. I didn’t expect this honour. I am still involved because it is all about the players! The joy on their faces to do a team sport where they are accepted for being themselves. George and Dave should be so proud of themselves. To sit up there with the people like George, Dave, Trish, Aldo & Keith and now Che, I am truly honoured.
2023
Dr Che Fornusek
Years with PDRLA? 2010 – Present
How did you become involved?
Initially I became involved as one of the original 6 players and then as the Secretary from 2012 to 2018.
Fondest memories?
The main highlights would be many of the games that I have played, especially the 2016 City vs Country in Tamworth and the 2017 Auckland 9s. As well as working with NSW Touch as the representative from PDRL to create an All-abilities Touch Competition. Also being in George Tonna’s PDRLA player cards that he released.
What does being a life member mean to you?
Life membership is recognition of the involvement I have had since the beginning in playing and helping create the game, but it’s also the opportunity to stay involved in the future.
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.