The upcoming Queensland Rugby League Regional Roadshow will see local junior rugby league stars mix with Queensland legends Sam Thaiday and Meg Ward to improve their football skills.
Visiting Bundaberg on Tuesday 3 May, there will be both a football clinic for juniors, as well as a fundraising dinner for Bundaberg Rugby League.
Queensland Rugby League Wide Bay Area Manager Bryce Holdsworth said the roadshow was a great opportunity for players in regional towns to learn new skills and meet origin greats.
“These roadshow’s provide young players the opportunity to meet current and former Queensland origin players, while also giving them the chance to learn new skills and have some fun,” Bryce said.
“At the clinic, juniors will be able to get photos and autographs while enjoying a free clinic hosted by the NRL Game Development team and the Bundaberg Junior Rugby League.”
The QRL encourages anyone to attend the clinic, with no prior football experience required.
“Any child between the ages of six to 12 years old, both male and female, are encouraged to register to attend the clinic,” he said.
“They do not need to be registered with a club but this is a great opportunity for them to learn some skills, play some small sided non – contact games and see if they would like to give rugby league a go and sign up for one of the local clubs for the upcoming season.”
The roadshow concludes with a fundraising dinner held at Brothers Sports Club, with funds raised going back into Bundaberg Rugby League.
Tickets for the event are $125 each, which includes a two course meal and some drinks.
“The dinner is being held at Brothers Sports Club and kicks off at 6.30 pm with all funds raised through the live auction on the night going back to Bundaberg Rugby League,” he said.
“It would be great to see the Bundaberg community get behind and support this event, as we have a great sporting community and it is always a privilege for the area to get these kinds of events.”
Bundaberg Rugby League Chairman Mike Ireland said the roadshow featuring ruby league legends would provide much needed support for the Bundaberg Rugby League.
“The upcoming roadshow is very important to Bundaberg and both Bundaberg Rugby League seniors and juniors,” Mike said.
“The leagues are like all sporting organisations, we rely on sponsorships as well as fundraising events like this to help with the enormous cost of running our game.
“Although we do have a lot of volunteers through both groups, operation costs are always on the up and any funds donated are much appreciated.
“To have Queensland players give up there time to help out with the up and coming kids, both male and female, can only help to encourage more to take up our sport.”
There will be plenty of great stories told on the night, and guests will have the opportunity to bid for some outstanding sporting memorabilia.
QRL Chief Executive Officer Rohan Sawyer said it was a terrific opportunity for the community to rub shoulders with two rugby league icons.
“Both Sam and Meg have mixed it with the very best of them on the rugby league field,” Mr Sawyer said.
“It really is shaping up to be a terrific evening, and one that will raise some important funds for community rugby league.”
Mr Sawyer also thanked Auswide Bank for their support of the initiative.
“Our regional and outback communities form part of the fabric of rugby league here in
Queensland,” Sawyer said.
“We’re extremely fortunate to have a major partner like Auswide Bank who also have a strong and meaningful connection to communities in regional Queensland.”
You can purchase tickets for the event here.
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