Sport
15 October, 2019
Legends of League night hits Mareeba
THERE is set to be a strong crowd on hand this Friday as community members both young and old will converge on the Mareeba Turf Club for the Legends of League night.
THERE is set to be a strong crowd on hand this Friday as community members both young and old will converge on the Mareeba Turf Club for the Legends of League night.
The night will act as the official launch and fundraiser for the Mareeba Old Players and Supporters group (MOPS), which brings rugby league enthusiasts from the region together to socialise all while helping support
“The Greatest Game of All”.
In addition, money raised will also go towards much-needed funding for the Black Dog Institute and breast cancer awareness.
The Australian sporting legends who will be attending this Friday night are former rugby league greats Martin Bella, Paul Sironen, Royce Simmons and Wally Fullerton-Smith, along with former Australian cricketer Doug Walters.
Martin Bella, a veteran of 235 professional rugby league games, 21 State of Origins and 9 Tests for Australia, spoke about the enormous impact groups like MOPS have on its members and the game of rugby league within the community.
“It’s fantastic to see a group like MOPS actively trying to promote the game in Mareeba and its surrounds,” he said.
“In addition, the MOPS members have plenty of rugby league and life experience, and will be crucial in providing direction at their local club.”
Bella said MOPS will be extremely valuable in providing its members with a way to reconnect with rugby league.
“A number of people who can no longer physically play feel a dislocation from the game itself and the positive social aspects that it brings,” he said.
“This gives people with a common foundation a chance to maintain those social ties that all of us loved when we played rugby league and hopefully MOPS can garner the support of the community.”
For those interested in attending, the event will run from 6pm – late. There will be raffles and auctions of memorabilia available on the night. There is no entry fee; however $30 will get you a ticket in the lucky door prize and a burger.
Tickets can be bought at the door or at the AquaFix Pool Shop on 71 Byrnes Street, Mareeba. For more information contact MOPS at mareebaoldplayers@gmail.com.
