Lithgow Bears' Lauren Stevens represents Grassroots football at NRL grand final

Club secretary Lauren Stevens' hard work was recognised with the Bears recently named ClubsNSW NRL Grassroots Club of the Year.

To continue the celebrations Stevens received special treatment at the 2020 NRL Grand Final between Penrith Panthers and Melbourne Storm on Sunday, October 25.

She was chosen as a VIP guest and after the NRL Telstra Women's Premiership Grand Final she was interviewed about the Lithgow Bears and their recent award as well as representing Grassroots clubs across Australia.

"The interview was with Katie Brown and Sam Squires, I was put on the big screens in front of 40,000 people in ANZ stadium right before the official opening of the match," Stevens said.

She said the interview touched on the impacts the Lithgow community had gone through this year including drought, fires, flood and COVID-19.

"...and how the Bears were motivated with passion to help our community and get players back onto the footy field," she said.

A film clip of the Bears receiving their award a few weeks ago was also displayed on the big screens before Stevens was escorted down the tunnel to the field.

"Unfortunately due to the weather we were unable to take the centre field but instead walked to the end of the tunnel," she said.

Stevens was accompanied by Newcastle Knights player Connor Watson and New Zealand Warriors NRLW star Georgia Hale who were both crowned the game's Man and Woman of the Year, winning the 2020 Ken Stephen and Veronica White Medals.

To watch the match, Stevens was put into a corporate box with Australian surfer Layne Beachley and INXS' Kirk Pengilly.

"They told me how they just spent their wedding anniversary in Lithgow and Blackheath and thought Lithgow was a beautiful town," Stevens said.

She also got to speak with NRL representatives including the Men of League Foundation and Clive Churchill's wife and son.

Stevens said overall it was an amazing experience and hoped by winning NSW Grassroots Club of the year, it has encouraged more people to visit Lithgow.

She also encouraged clubs to support their communities.

"I encourage all sporting clubs no matter of size to help your local community, volunteer your time, raise money or donations where you can, as they're the ones that will help you through the tough times and no doubt you will put smiles on people's faces," she said.