A collection of former NRL stars will be on show in Inverell for a Men of League charity function in February.
A Joblink Plus Men of League Legends side will play against an Inverell RSM invitational side at Varley Oval on Saturday, February 11.
The event is being sponsored by Joblink Plus, Inverell Sports Council and the Inverell RSM Club.
The list contains a number of former Australian, New South Wales and Queensland representatives and it is a rare opportunity to see players of this quality playing in the area.
Matt Gidley, Cliff Lyons, David Peachey, Chris Walker, Paul Stringer, Craig Field, Josh Stuart, Jason Death and Nat Wood will all turn out for the Legends side, while the invitational will feature some of the areas local products, including Robbie McCormack, Nathan Blacklock and the recently retired Preston Campbell.
Other former players have also expressed interest in taking part and there could be more to be announced as the date gets closer. Friday night will give the community the chance to meet the players at a function at the RSM Club, which will include a sports memorabilia auction.
Inverell Hawks media liaison officer, Jamie Petrie, has been involved in organising the event and said this will be a massive opportunity for Inverell to showcase the new sporting facilities at Varley Oval.
“It’s about promoting Inverell as well as footy,” Petrie said.
“We’ve got former Australian and Origin representatives and someone like Cliff Lyons is just a legend of the game.”
“Things like this don’t happen all the time, fortunately we’ve got some great sponsors and it really couldn’t be done without them.”
There will be plenty on offer for the kids with a coaching clinic to be held on Saturday morning and a half-time competition with prizes including footballs signed by the players to be won. A Ladies League tag game is also being planned as a curtain raiser and for the right price you could even line up for the Legends on the night, with two positions in the side set to be auctioned.
This could provide people from the community the chance to live out their dream of not only meeting but actually playing alongside some of their heroes.
The Men of League Foundation supports former players, coaches, administrators, referees, officials and their families who have been involved with the game.
“It’s good to be able to put things like this on,” Petrie said.
“I’d hate to think what the game would be like without it.”
Tickets for the Friday night function are $15, while entry to Varley Oval for the game on Saturday is $10 and free admission for kids under 16.
Petrie said he is expecting a big turnout for the event and has encouraged the community to get involved.
“You can come and have a great night out and you only have to spend 15 dollars.
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