CO-founder Hilton Carrigan is overwhelmed by the response to the BHP Billiton Hunter Valley Group 21 Rugby League Where There’s A Will round.
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Players from all eight clubs in the region – Scone Thoroughbreds, Merriwa Magpies, Aberdeen Tigers, Muswellbrook Rams, Singleton Greyhounds, Denman Devils and Murrurundi Mavericks – attended the launch at Muswellbrook’s Olympic Park on Monday, in readiness for the August 12 and 13 fixtures.
The local sides will wear specially-designed Where There’s a Will jerseys, which will be auctioned on the day or at a nominated club event.
All money raised will support the work to reduce suicide and improve mental wellbeing across the Upper Hunter.
“This demonstration of unity is unprecedented in country rugby league,” Mr Carrigan said.
“It’s unbelievable – and I can’t believe how much everyone’s got on board.
“Our son [the late Will Carrigan] played for the Scone Thoroughbreds.
“But, it’s great to see all the Group 21 clubs involved; they’ve been extremely supportive of our cause.
“Our thanks also go to Mick Reynolds, who’s done an awesome job in putting this together.
“We’re now hoping to make it an annual event.”
National Rugby League (NRL) boss Todd Greenberg also praised the concept.
“Decades-old rivalries between teams in the Group 21 competition will be cast aside as they work together to dedicate the last round of the 2017 season to the Scone-based not-for-profit charity,” he said.
“We all love a great Origin game and grand finals always give us plenty of great memories but working together to make a positive difference is what rugby league does best.
“This is a tremendous effort from Group 21 and I’ve no doubt that the drive and determination they’ve already shown to make this happen will be rewarded with some significant funds raised to improve mental health across the district.”
The Muswellbrook Rams and Scone Thoroughbreds will play for the inaugural Where There’s A Will Cup in the feature game of the round at Scone Park on Saturday, August 12, at 5pm.
The Cup has been donated by Brian Adams, the grandfather of Will [Carrigan] who took his life in 2015 and whose family is the driving force behind the Where There’s a Will Foundation.
“We’re also providing a Players’ Player trophy at all the matches, for every team,” Pauline Carrigan added.
“The message is ‘being there for one another’.”
Saturday, August 12 –
• Scone v Muswellbrook, 5.15pm at Scone Park
• Murrurundi v Denman, 3pm at Wilson Memorial Oval, Murrurundi (reserve grade)
Sunday, August 13 –
• Greta/Branxton v Merriwa, 12.30pm at Greta Central Oval (reserve grade)
• Greta/Branxton v Denman, 2pm at Greta Central Oval
• Aberdeen v Singleton, 2pm at McKinnon Field, Aberdeen
- If you need to contact someone:
- Lifeline Australia 13 11 14
- Where There's A Will www.uhwheretheresawill.com.au