St George Illawarra fullback Corey Norman earlier this week was among the 15 NRL players nominated for the 2019 Ken Stephen Medal community award.
As reflected in Dragons Community's mantra, Norman has had nothing but a positive impact on people's lives throughout the club's catchment area and beyond in 2019.
Although he personally prefers not to seek notoriety or adulation for his work, we can't help but encourage Red V members and fans to vote Norman for this prestigious award.
Since joining the Dragons, Norman has engaged predominately in the club's grassroots programs. This is an area where he proactively recognises the influence NRL players can have on junior rugby league development.
Norman's involvement from a Dragons perspective has included attendance at local junior league clubs, school assemblies, community events and training experiences.
Corey has also shown an active interest in CLONTARFF academies from Dubbo South, Mt Druitt and Shalvey, all of which who have attended training in 2019 as part of their program to assist young Indigenous men to improve their education, life skills, discipline and self-esteem.
Vote #1 Corey Norman for the 2019 Ken Stephen Medal
Helping the homeless inspires NRL stars
Outside of his commitments to the NRL and Dragons, Corey has regularly volunteered his time with the Pass It On Clothing and Co – a company which takes clothing donations directly to those in need.
Pass It On Clothing & Co set-up a wardrobe station at three weekly services, two in Sydney (Martin Place and Parramatta) and one in Gosford as well as a specific female outreach centre ran monthly in Arncliffe.
"Corey is now a permanent and integral part of the weekly outreach team at both Martin Place and Parramatta," Pass It On Clothing and Co. founder Chris Vagg said.
"The space he works in has many challenges, with many of the homeless friends suffering from mental illness, addiction issues and general disengagement from society.
"The work Corey is doing here is having a huge impact on those he meets. Whether that be by lending an ear to listen to those that arrive on the night looking to share a story, talking about the NRL on the weekend or helping decide between one piece of clothing or another."
Importantly, Norman also donates items from his own clothing line 'YKTR' to the cause as well as encourage other NRL players to join in donating clothes to Pass It On.
Another of Norman's good deeds in 2019 went viral earlier this season in the aftermath of the Dragons' Round 2 clash against South Sydney.
During his usual post-game interactions with fans, a conversation with a teenager saw the boy reveal to Norman that he had no safe way to get home. Norman would end up driving him home to ensure his safety.
Positivity is a natural value for Corey. With a history of actively supporting and encouraging those who face adversity, he inspires others to make a positive difference. The Dragons have been oh so fortunate to have him join the Red V in 2019.
