RIX’S Creek Rattlesnakes’ Scott Matthews believes defending champions Austar Swamp Rats are the team to beat when the 2016 A-Plus Contracting Hunter Valley Mining Charity Rugby League Knockout kicks off this weekend.
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The competition, which boasts 16 teams representing numerous mines in the region, will feature many locals in the day-long 10’s tournament at Singleton’s Pirtek Park on Saturday.
And, one of them is Matthews, known to most people as the president of the Singleton Greyhounds.
“Last year was the first time the Rattlesnakes contested the knockout,” he said.
“We made it through to the semi-final before the Mount Thorley Warkworth Razorbacks ended our run.
“But, it’s such a good event and everyone enjoyed themselves, we were keen to be involved again.
“It’s hard to say how things will pan out in 2016.
“I think the new draw, where teams play two games instead of one, will even it up.
“The [Austar] Swamp Rats should be favourites; they’ve got some quality players.
“However, the Mt Arthur A side is also a classy team.”
In 2015, the charity day – hosted by the Singleton Volunteer Support Group – raised $50,000 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (WRHS).
Organisers are hoping to hit the $60,000 mark this year.
The WRHS undertakes more than 1000 missions, including transporting people from accident scenes, transferring critically-ill patients between hospitals and undertaking search and rescue operations.
The Singleton Volunteer Support Group has worked hard for the past 19 years to help raise awareness and funds to make sure the vital community service stays in the air.
“It’s definitely a worthwhile charity, the WRHS – and the reason why everyone’s got on board,” Matthews said.
“Hopefully, we never need to use it.
“And, while the sides are competitive on the field, the players realise it is only a charity match.”
More than 70 businesses have backed individual teams to help with their fundraising targets with Coal Services Mines Rescue (First Aid), Group 21 Rugby League Referees Association and Singleton’s Rotary and Lions clubs providing in-kind support and assistance on the day.