He's scored 15 tries in 18 appearances in 2020 to be shaping up as a challenger for league royal Matthew Bowen's club try-scoring record, but Cowboys high-flying winger Kyle Feldt is just as dedicated to rugby league off the field.
Vote for Feldty – Ken Stephen Medal
In addition to inking a four-year NRL contract extension this year, Feldt is the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys' nominee for the Ken Stephen Medal, which recognises the efforts of an NRL player who has not only achieved on the field, but has committed time off the field to community projects.
He joins a list of dedicated current and former Cowboys teammates in securing the club's prestigious nomination, with life member and games record-holder Johnathan Thurston winning the award overall in 2012.
2020 has been a rollercoaster year for 2015 grand-finalist Feldt, from the highs of an engagement and an NRL Nines championship, to the lows of the COVID-19 competition shutdown, and the isolation of the NRL playing bubble.
An affable North Queensland native, Feldt has taken this all in his stride to go above and beyond his club commitments to give back to the community that has nurtured his career and considers him a favourite son.
Kyle Feldt Footy Throw Bin Challenge
When COVID-19 forced the shutdown of the Townsville & District Junior Rugby League competition, they were just two trial games into their 2020 season for 175 teams and 3,222 players across Townsville, Bowen, Burdekin, Herbert River and Charters Towers.
For QRL Club Support Manager (Townsville) Kerri Ritchie, finding a way to keep the teams engaged and active in rugby league was crucial for the road to resumption.
Ritchie reached out to Feldt, a Norths Thuringowa Devils junior, for ideas.
Together, they launched the Kyle Feldt Footy Throw Bin Challenge, calling on juniors across the region to post their best footy passes on TDJRL Facebook.
Ritchie was surprised and delighted with the response.
"We had dozens of kids sending in their videos!" she said.
"It was really great to see so many kids participate and we had great feedback from parents on how awesome it was to get their kids out in the yard with the footy during a period where we were all working and home schooling.
"We thank Kyle for make this happen."
Kyle Feldt Footy Throw Bin Challenge
North Queensland, we need you!
Feldt again answered the call from grassroots rugby league to add his star power to a volunteer recruitment campaign for the QRL Northern Division.
From inside the NRL isolation bubble, Feldt recorded a headline video for the compilation, which encouraged potential volunteers to visit playrugbyleague.com or contact their local club or league.
Kyle is a great ambassador for junior rugby league and supports grassroots football whenever we ask him – he is always willing to help us out.
QRL Club Support Manager (Townsville) Kerri Ritchie
You're in my thoughts
Feldt is a popular member of the playing group, taking out the 2019 Townsville Bulletin Fans’ Choice Award and named 2020 Cowboys membership ambassador to represent the club in building its vibrant community of members.
He also works hard behind the scenes to support those who reach out to him in times of need.
"Keep fighting, buddy – I'm behind you" was his message for accident victim Xavier, while he encouraged the Ignatius Park College school community to "do the best you can and work with what you have at home" in a personal video during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Humble, relatable and reliable, Feldt inspires on and off the field as the Cowboys' nominated community hero for 2020 from a field of worthy contenders.
