Tamworth is feeling footy fever this week, as they gear up for the next NRL clash at Scully Park this Saturday, when the West Tigers meet the Newcastle Knights on the field, as part of the NRL Telstra Footy Country Series.
“The NRL Telstra Footy Country Series is in the next chapter in its support for country footy,” said Ian George, Regional Engagement Manager for New England Telstra.
“Country footy is an integral part of regional communities, so its great we can get the best players out here into regional area.”
However, not all of the action is on the field, or on Saturday.
To give back and strengthen the ties between country rugby league and the elite game, residents of Tamworth are invited to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet NRL stars ahead of the game.
This afternoon from 3:30pm, Telstra and the West Tigers will host a coaching clinic at Scully Park, for the kids to get up close and personal.
“The kids will get hands on experience with the West Tigers players,” said Ian.
“All of the junior leagues clubs have been invited and we are anticipating between 100 and 300 junior players, including the Boggabri Junior Rugby League Club which Telstra will be donating a footy pack to the club.”
“This includes an equipment pack filled with balls, goal and tackling pads, to help the club thrive.”
The NRL Telstra Footy Country Series gives back to footy’s grassroots by bringing equipment, star power, and big games into communities to inspire the next generation of NRL stars.
Keeping it local
This year, Telstra have named local footy legend, Greg Haire from Boggari JRL, as the Telstra Footy Country Hero – celebrating his commitment and dedication to country footy.
Greg is president and the driving force behind the creation of the Boggabri JRL club.
Through his passion to support the game, and his club, he has organised school clinics and can always be found volunteering at matches and development programs run throughout the North West region.
“I just thought, if we want our seniors to continue to be there, we need to bring the juniors through because you have got to have your families to run the club, so it doesn’t fade away.”
But Greg is nothing but humble, playing tribute to many families and volunteers who have helped make the club what it is.
“I could name everyone, but we have a great committee of 25 people that is just awesome and I love being a part of it.” said Greg.
“All Boggabri has is footy, there is no cricket anymore, and the support of the town has been great.”
To celebrate his dedicated, Greg will be delivering the ball at the game on Saturday.
“I was really surprised when they told me, but excited and my daughter and son and their families and my wife will all be there watching me.” said Greg.
West Tigers Vs Newcastle Nights Main Game
Date: Saturday, May 11th
Time: 3pm kick off
Location: Scully Park Tamworth
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