Wests Tigers are drumming up local support ahead of their game against South Sydney Rabbitoh’s tonight at Scully Park.
Taking their spirit off the field, players and support staff have spent this week out and about in the community.
“We bring a home game to Tamworth every year but its not just about the match itself, we like to give back to the community, so we have been up here this week, delivering community engagements, wrapping up with our all-abilities clinic running before the match,” Said Kenneth Tuala, Community Engagement Lead Wests Tigers.
“We’ve had our Girls League Tag event, in recognition of NRL Women in league round, so just getting the girls involved in League Tag and throwing the ball around.”
“And we have run two school programs, one at Nemingha Public and then we drove to Barraba Central School for a program with two of our players, Tallyn Da Silva and Josh Feledy.”
For the club, giving back to the community and seeing the smiles on the young kids is worth the travel.
“Out in Barraba, I don’t think they have had an NRL team visit, so having those moments with the schools and the communities is something we cherish and enjoy doing,” said Kenneth.
The week of events will wrap up this morning with their all-abilities community clinic from 9:30am to 10:30am at the Tamworth Sportsdome.
“People with disability don’t have much access to mainstream sports or activities, so as a club we wanted to provide the opportunity for disability services and local people to come and pass the ball around with a few of our players and have a laugh,” said Kenneth.
There’s no doubt Wests Tigers have won over some new fans ahead of Friday night’s game.
“We love coming to Tamworth and it’s nice to escape the rat race, its good for the boys.”
“It’s a good change of pace and a different perspective than the city of Sydney, and it means a lot to the kids.”
“The Bunnies are a known team out in regional NSW but hopefully we get a good supporter base down at Scully Park, supporting the players and getting around the boys to get us over the line.”
Kick off is at 6pm tonight at Scully Park.
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