Queensland Drought Relief Tour Wrap Up

On Monday 15 October, the Men of League Foundation teamed up with Queensland Rugby League to help those in rural Queensland that are suffering from the drought.

Current Cronulla Sharks player Kurt Capewell joined former NRL players Michael Crocker and Chris Walker, as well as David Shillington and Mark Bunting from the Foundation on the tour.

On Day 1, the touring party flew out from Brisbane to Longreach and got straight to work, teaming up with NRL Game Development Officers Grant Bignell, Rod Dahl and Richard Dugdale for some rugby league activities with students at Longreach State School and Longreach State High School. Some social drinks with the locals at the Birdcage Hotel rounded off a great first day.

The Tour headed to Blackall on Day 2 – but first – there was time for a quick stop over in Barcaldine. The travelling party helped facilitate some rugby league clinics at the schools – but have also been enjoying the chance to spend time out and about in the towns to meet with people.

Mick Crocker also showed off his singing voice when visiting Blackall State School; helping to sing a song that has been written about the Blackall community.

Day 3 of the Drought Relief Tour saw the travelling party head to Charleville, Kurt Capewell’s home town. He was the star attraction at the Charleville RSL where the party stopped in for some dinner; with family, friends and fans coming by to say hello. The RSL proudly displays the framed jersey from Capewell’s first appearance in Sharks colours when he played at the Auckland Nines in 2016.

It was an early start on Day 4 as the touring party went to visit Kurt Capewell’s old primary school, St Mary’s Parish. After the school visit; Crocker, Shillo, Chris Walker and NRL Development, QRL and Foundation staff hit the road to head to the next destination – St George. The long road trip showed just how dry the land is, with plenty of red dirt and road kill seen along the way.

Day 5 was the final day of the Drought Relief Tour and the touring party enjoyed a day on the Roma Golf Course as part of the committee’s fundraising event. Plenty of good shots (and a few bad ones) provided a great day out for all 83 golfers who attended to help raise funds for the Foundation and continue to lift the spirits of those affected by the drought.

The Men of League Foundation would like to thank the QRL and NRL for their outstanding support and assistance throughout the week.