A highly successful Wagga businessman, Kelly has been involved with the sport for 40 years and was a leading figure in the development of the Equex Centre facility which is now used for Group Nine games.

Kelly was nominated for the One Community Awards by WRL colleagues.

The awards, which honour volunteer coaches, community workers, referees and development officers, will be presented at a glittering function in Sydney on Tuesday.

The event will also shine the spotlight on NSW stars, with the Ken Stephen Award being awarded to an NRL player who has given exceptional service to the sport on and off the field.

More than 170 nominations were received for the One Community Awards, with Kelly now among 13 finalists in the category for the Toyota National Volunteer of the Year Award.

For decades, Kelly has worked tirelessly for rugby league in Wagga in an administrative and practical way.

He has worked with Wagga City Council to develop rugby league amenities in Wagga, arranged sponsorships and raised funds as well as pouring concrete, erecting fences and building amenities at the new Equex Centre complex.

Kelly feels privileged to be a finalist for the coveted award.

"I was involved with rugby league originally as a player," he said.

"I recognised a need for structure in the administration and here I am today.

"I am honoured to have been recognised by the One Community Awards."

If successful on Tuesday, Kelly will be presented with $5000 plus an additional $5000 for WRL.

Now in their third year, the One Community Awards have quickly become one of the highest honours for rugby league at grass-roots level, according to NRL Director of Community Relations Trish Crews.

"I think that it is great that these unsung heroes are rewarded for their efforts in this game that is loved by all," she said.