Kickoff’s met plenty on our rounds, but none who epitomise the term more than Helensburgh stalwart Col Doran. So, it was with great delight we learned of his nomination for Country Rugby League volunteer of the year this week.

The heart and soul of the Tigers for decades, a man with greater passion for the game, or for his club, we’re yet to meet. Each year when your columnist picks up the phone to start doing the preseason rounds of the Illawarra clubs, Col is always the first number on the list.

You’ve got to be on the ball with your pad and pen, taking notes of the rapid fire conversation is no easy task, but you always hang up knowing a helluva lot more, and feeling a whole lot better about the game, than when you picked it up.

The CRL awards night will be held on Saturday night. There’ll be a host of worthy nominees on hand but none more so than Col.

The Helensburgh club is also in the running for CRL Community Club of the Year. That nomination is also thoroughly deserved for the club’s efforts in helping raise over $50,000 in support of young Caleb Clark – who suffers from Infantile Neuro Axonal Dystropy – and his family.

A club working bee also provided vital modifications to the Clark home to make life just a little bit easier. It’s type of efforts that make you proud of our game. Well done to all.