Bundaberg Rum is extending support to senior grassroots rugby league clubs during the 2020 finals.
Kicking off last week, the Bundaberg Rum Man of the Match award will continue for the next two weeks of the NRL finals series with each winner to receive $1000 to pay forward to a senior grassroots club.
Players will announce their chosen club during a post-game interview on Fox League. You can catch up on the winners through the NRL Instagram account.
Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary was the first Bundaberg Rum Man of the Match after leading his team to a 29-28 win over the Roosters last Friday with three tries, four goals and a field goal. He donated $1000 to the Brothers Penrith Seniors Club, for whom he previously played footy.
Canberra five-eighth Jack Wighton won the award on Saturday evening after lifting the Raiders to a comeback victory against Cronulla with two tries. His donation will be split between Orange CYMS - a club he has previously played for - and Orange Hawks.
Ryan Papenhuyzen's electric display in Saturday night's win against the Eels earned him the Bundaberg Rum honours, while Rabbitohs five-eighth Cody Walker donated to the Casino Cougars after scoring a try to help his side thump Newcastle on Sunday.
The impacts of bushfires and COVID-19 on a number of grassroots clubs has meant many face an uncertain future. Bundaberg Rum is determined to make a genuine difference to the communities that support them.
Earlier this year, Bundaberg launched a limited edition Australian Bushfire Regeneration Rum with 100% of its profits donated to WWF Australia's Wildlife and Nature Fund.
They also donated $2000 to help the Bega Roosters buy new gear as the club prepares to return to the field, as well as donating 100,000 litres of ethanol to help with the production of hand sanitiser in Queensland.