Some will argue that the small suburb of Hornby, is synonymous with rugby league and after listening to Jack Newson, you’re likely to agree.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a volunteer who has dedicated more of their life to rugby league than Jack Newson.

Watch the video below to see just how much of an impact Jack Newson has had on Hornby Rugby League.

The 76-year-old was the well deserved recipient of the Male Pirtek Volunteer of the Year award at the NZRL Annual Awards earlier this year. This award recognises the tireless efforts of our sport’s behind-the-scenes legends at grassroots level.

As a Life Member of the Hornby Rugby League Club, Newson lives and breathes the game and is said to be one of the club’s biggest supporters.

“He is extremely humble, and never ever asks for anything in return. We as a club are honoured to be in his presence”

His involvement with the Hornby Rugby League Club spans over 65 years as a player, coach, executive member and life member, and he currently still plays for the Masters team. Not only does he help with skills days for juniors, he fixes and maintains the club and is always the first person to be watching and supporting around Canterbury’s fields.