Men of League Foundation calling on past & present first grade players to join them on Tackling the Drought tour

The Men of League Foundation is calling on current and former first grade rugby league players to offer their time and support to check in with the men, women and children of the rugby league community in drought-stricken regional areas of New South Wales.

Five buses will depart Sydney on the morning of Friday 5 October, each heading to numerous rural towns in five regional communities over three days. The tour will provide much needed support and good cheer to those in regional areas of the state who have struggled during one of the worst droughts in Australia’s history.

The proposed tours will venture to Glen Innes, Inverell and Armidale; to Coolah, Cassilis/Merriwa and Scone; to Narromine, Gilgandra and Mudgee; to Parkes, Cowra and Forbes, and the final bus departing for Griffith and surrounding townships.

Each bus will contain at least ten first grade rugby league players to assist with running events for young local rugby league fans, “Kick-Off clubs”, signing sessions and BBQ’s for local farmers and rugby league fans. These activities will provide a much-needed morale boost to potential wellbeing recipients and introduce them to the support network that is available through the Men of League Foundation and its partners.

Men of League Foundation Chief Executive Officer Stephen Lowndes says that the
Tackling the Drought tour will hopefully bring a smile to the faces of those in rural communities who have been struggling of late.

“The tour is an opportunity for those who have been affected by drought in the countryside to get together and enjoy some time with the greats of the game and fellow members of the rugby league community.

“Currently, Channel 9 commentator Darryl Brohman, Joe Thomas, Ben Elias, Greg Florimo, Neville Glover and Steve Edge have expressed interest in joining one of our convoy of buses,” Lowndes said.

“We need more players to jump on board and offer their support for this fantastic cause.

“It has been a tough season for the locals out in regional New South Wales. We are hopeful that more players will thrust their hands up and vouch their time for the rugby league community,” Lowndes concluded.

If you are a former or current first grade rugby league player and wish to pledge your support for the Tackling the Drought tour, please contact wellbeing@menofleague.com.