Darryl Brohman, Joe Thomas, Ben Elias, Greg Florimo, Neville Glover and Steve Edge are among the former stars to have volunteered for The Men of League's Tackling the Drought tour and the organisation is calling on other past and present players to join them.
The three-day tour, commencing on Friday, October 5, will provide much needed support and good cheer to those in regional areas of NSW who have struggled during one of the worst droughts in Australia's history.
Men of League Foundation CEO Stephen Lowndes said five buses were being organised to travel to Glen Innes, Inverell and Armidale; to Coolah, Cassilis/Merriwa and Scone; to Narromine, Gilgandra and Mudgee; to Parkes, Cowra and Forbes, and Griffith and surrounding townships.
Lowndes said it was hoped that each bus would contain at least ten first grade rugby league players to assist with running "Kick-Off clubs", signing sessions and BBQ's for local farmers and rugby league fans.
These activities will provide a much-needed morale boost to potential wellbeing recipients and introduce them to the support network that is available through the Men of League Foundation and its partners.
"The tour is an opportunity for those who have been affected by drought in the countryside to get together and enjoy some time with the greats of the game and fellow members of the rugby league community," Lowndes said.
"Currently, Channel 9 commentator Darryl Brohman, Joe Thomas, Ben Elias, Greg Florimo, Neville Glover and Steve Edge have expressed interest in joining one of our convoy of buses. We need more players to jump on board and offer their support for this fantastic cause.
"It has been a tough season for the locals out in regional New South Wales. We are hopeful that more players will thrust their hands up and vouch their time for the rugby league community," Lowndes concluded.
Former or current players wanting to pledge their support for the Tackling the Drought tour should contact wellbeing@menofleague.com.
