Tony Sutton, the Chief Executive of the Rugby Football League, has praised the "varied, significant and often underappreciated" contributions to the sport made by a quartet who have been recognised in the King's New Year's Honours.
The Huddersfield Giants owner and chairman Ken Davy has been awarded the OBE for his services to Community Rugby League, and the long-serving match official Tony Martin receives the same award for his services to Rugby League.
Paul Caddick, who has presided over one of the most successful eras in the history of Leeds Rhinos since taking ownership of the club in 1996, has been awarded the MBE for services to sport, and the former England captain Andrea Dobson, now Development Manager of the Sheffield Eagles Foundation, also receives the MBE for her services to Rugby League.
Tony Sutton said:
"It is a privilege to pay tribute on behalf of the RFL and the sport of Rugby League to four individuals who have made such significant contributions over several decades, and for whom this recognition is so richly deserved.
"Ken Davy and Paul Caddick have made their impact off the field, with significant and consistent investment in and leadership of two of Rugby League's great Yorkshire clubs, both founder members of the Northern Union in 1895, who have enjoyed considerable success under their stewardship.
"Paul Caddick's partnership with Gary Hetherington has underpinned the most successful era in Leeds's history since the takeover at the end of the first Super League season in 1996, while that was also the year when Ken Davy became chairman of a Huddersfield club who were then in the Second Division.
"In the subsequent three decades, and especially since 2003, the Giants have become an established Super League club, winning the League Leaders Shield in 2013, and reaching three Challenge Cup Finals. None of that would have been possible without Ken, and I know he will be pleased to be recognised for his services to community Rugby League reflecting the development of the sport in and around Huddersfield.
"Andrea Dobson was a true trailblazer of Women's Rugby League in the years before the foundation of the Women's Super League. She made her Great Britain debut as a 16-year-old in 2003, holds England Heritage Number 8 after playing in the first England Women's international in 2007, went on to play in four World Cups and to earn a tally of 30 caps which was a record when she retired.
"She has continued to drive Rugby League forwards, especially the Women's and Girls' game, in her role with the Sheffield Eagles Foundation.
"Like Andrea, Tony Martin is a member of the RFL's Roll of Honour, as one of the longest-serving match officials of the modern era.
"He was already established as a leading touch judge when Super League kicked off in 1996 and maintained that status for 25 seasons, a remarkable record of durability and excellence, with numerous big match appearances including 10 Grand Finals and the 2000 World Cup Final at Old Trafford.
"It was typical of Tony that even after retirement, he continued to make himself available to officiate at grassroots and junior level in and around his native Oldham.
"Following recognition of a different form for Wigan Warriors as the BBC's Team of the Year across all British sport, Rugby League has much to celebrate as we look forward to 2025."
