THE final touches are being put in place for the Men of League Foundation’s Tackling the Drought Tour at Coolah, Merriwa and Scone this week.
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Starting on October 5, a bus consisting of South Sydney legend Craig Coleman, as well as ex-first grade players Joe Thomas, Ross Harrington, George Longbottom, Michael Marketo and Andrew Ryan (Friday only), will head to the Upper Hunter to touch base with the local communities enduring the tough winter’s drought.
Four separate events will take place over the three-day tour, with members of each township strongly encouraged to throw themselves into the action and enjoy the opportunity to connect with their local counterparts and some of the former legends of rugby league.
A ‘Kick Off Club’ is scheduled for the Coolah Sporting Club on Friday evening at 7.30pm, where all guests have the opportunity to share a free meal and chat with the travelling players.
On Saturday morning, a coaching clinic will be held in association with the NRL at 10am at the Coolah Sportsground for all junior enthusiasts to hone their skills with some of the game’s best.
The touring party will then head to Merriwa, with a stopover for lunch in Cassilis, and will be keen attendants at the Comedy Show with Darren Carr at the Merriwa RSL Club from 7pm.
Scone will provide the final stop for the Upper Hunter Tour, hosting a friendly game of touch football and barbecue brekky at Scone Park from 9.30am on Sunday.
The foundation is fortunate to have the wholehearted backing of brewing company Lion Beer Australia for the Tackling the Drought Tour.
Lion Beer’s support goes hand-in-hand with its Beers for the Bush campaign, which will see $1 donated from every carton of Iron Jack sold, as well as 50 cents from each schooner sold at selected regional venues right across Australia donated to Rural Aid.
Men of League Foundation chief executive officer Stephen Lowndes says the tour’s schedule will allow as many people as possible within regional rugby league communities to touch base with some of the game’s greats and learn more about their local support networks, as well as the Men of League Foundation.
“We would love to see not just rugby league fans, but all members of the local community join us at our events over the weekend,” he said.
“It is a fantastic opportunity for the hardworking men, women and children of our rural townships to enjoy each other’s company over a bite to eat or cold drink and perhaps take their mind off a tough winter season.
“We are hoping to reinforce that regardless of this tough period in time, they are not alone and have numerous support networks available to them should they need a shoulder to lean on.”
If you, or someone you know, is struggling financially or emotionally due to the drought’s harsh circumstances, contact wellbeing@menofleague.com