Helping out your mates has been a huge part of rugby league since its inception. It was on this premise that The Men of League Foundation was founded.
After seeing true legend of the game Doug McRitchie lying alone in a hospital bed some years ago, I was inspired to do something to bring our community together - off the field as well as on. Those who have contributed so much to rugby league deserve our recognition and respect, both in times of triumph and hardship.
And so, in partnership with Jim Hall and Max Brown, we founded The Men of League Foundation to support members of the rugby league community who have fallen on hard times. Our vision was to build a Foundation that provides practical assistance with everything from medical operations, rehabilitation and nursing equipment to welfare support, grants and scholarships.
More than a decade on, The Men of League Foundation has grown to boast a robust membership of more than 25,000 - all passionate members working towards a shared vision to celebrate our game’s rich history and provide assistance and support to players, coaches, referees, officials and administrators from all levels of the game and the broader rugby league community.