The Rugby League community has shown their support for the Men of League Foundation during Men of League Heritage Round, with 25,103 Men of League pins being distributed over the weekend.
As record crowds attended the Men of League Heritage Round matches, some of the Game’s most celebrated legends were among the Men of League volunteers who collected on behalf of the charity that supports those from all levels of the Rugby League family who have fallen on hard times.
Up to forty ex-players and officials donated their time at each Men of League Heritage Round match to offer Men of League pins in return for a gold coin donation.
Men of League president and Team of the Century representative Ron Coote AM was in Gosford when the Roosters went down to Newcastle on Saturday and backed up for the Rabbitohs victory over the Wests Tigers at the historical SCG on Sunday. Mr Coote says he is grateful that the NRL gave Men of League the opportunity to be a One Community Charity and part of Men of League Heritage Round.
“I’d like to thank David Gallop and the NRL for recognising Men of League and giving us the opportunity.”
“I’d also like to thank the Rugby League media for their support. The pins were a real hit. Everyone was talking about them at the matches because the media coverage has been tremendous.”
“The promotion has also shown that Rugby League people care and there is a charity that will help you if you’re on hard times. The additional exposure has already seen us receive emails with more requests for support,” Coote added.
Team of the Century lock John Raper was the Foundation’s number one collector at ANZ Stadium on Friday night when the biggest crowd in Sydney this season turned out to watch the Dragons defeat the Bulldogs.
Raper says it was easy to collect donations for a cause that treats everyone as equals. He went on to say:
“The Men of League is always there, no matter what. No matter what you’ve done in Rugby League, you’re a part of Rugby League. Men of League recognises this and I’m grateful that people appreciated it through their donations at the game.”
The Men of League Foundation started in 2002 when 160 former players, referees and officials turned up to the NSW Leagues Club to show their support and it has now grown to over 14,000 members.
Men of League Heritage Round 2010 saw three NRL crowd figures exceed 30,000. This is the first time three premiership crowds have exceeded 30,000 on the one weekend in Rugby League history.