This award, and others in the 10th annual NRL Community Awards, acknowledge some of the game's many unassuming heroes and their tireless community work.

The awards were made ahead of the 2016 NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final, where recipients or their representatives were guests.

The NRL Grassroots Club of the Year is presented to a rugby league club that has fostered participation and enjoyment at all levels of the game and been an integral part of its community, displaying innovation in administration.

The Gunning Roos were nominated as the 2016 Club of the Year from the Bidgee Region.

They made a recent comeback after a 15-year hiatus due to lack of players in the town. They have also embraced Canberra’s Women’s League Tag competition.

Besides the social benefits, the Gunning Roos have provided an economic boost for the town. Business owners have said turnover was up and more people were spending more time in the town.

Gunning's location, 30 minutes from Goulburn and an hour from Canberra, has made it attractive to visit and support the local team again.

Rea Brett runs the local cafe with her partner Damien White. The pair has sponsored the local team this year, with much delight. "It's been a long time since we've had something like this in the town, so it's good to support them," Ms Brett said.

Mr White said the influx linked to football games was boosting business. "It's certainly keeping the town alive," he said. "Now that they're coming back … the ladies with their tag team and the rugby league, there's more people again coming into the town. It's terrific."