Page 56 - Rugby League World (February 2020)
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WORDS: ALEX DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY: NRLImagery; Getty Images
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Down under diary
HEROES RESPOND TO
BUSHFIRE DISASTER
destroyed. T HIS OFF-SEASON has been a torrid one Jaded Republic to the cause.
in Australia.
Penrith hosted a firefighter fundraiser by
The country has been ravaged by bush
organising an open training session with a free
fires nationwide. At least 28 people have
barbecue at their stadium.
died and thousands of homes have been
“On behalf of the entire Rugby League community
Instead of focusing on the obvious and we send our thoughts to everyone across the nation
who has been impacted by the bushfires," said NRL
heartbreaking negatives, as usual in times of crisis, CEO Todd Greenberg on Twitter.
communities rise up to help each other to show off "To all the fireys, volunteers, police, defence force,
the best of humanity. & emergency services we extend our appreciation
The Rugby League community as a whole has & thanks.
rallied in response to the crisis with both players “We're working with all our Clubs, States & NRL
and clubs raising funds for those hardest hit by the players & RLPlayers & plenty of former players on a
blazes. coordinated program to support our communities
Players such as Euan Aitken of St George affected by the bushfires."
Illawarra Dragons and Chad Townsend of Cronulla Meanwhile, the NRL has relocated the "Battle
Sharks have auctioned off signed shirts while of the West" pre-season game between Penrith
women's stars Allana Ferguson and Millie Boyle are Panthers and Parramatta Eels to Bega, one of the
also weighing in with their help. areas severely affected by the fires, as part of a
Curtis Scott, Canberra Raiders' new centre, has three-day festival of Rugby League.
set up a GoFundMe page, contributing $5,000 of The game will be played on February 29 with
his own money towards a target of $25,000. the squads of both clubs in the area for three days,
Meanwhile, Gold Coast Titans hooker Nathan performing a series of player-led community
Peats and his wife Jade have decided to donate 50 activities and public events.
percent of their profits from their clothing brand "This is more than a game – this will be an event
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