Queensland Rugby League is pleased to announce it will stage a Drought Relief Goodwill Tour next month.
In partnership with Men of League and FOGS, current and former NRL stars will unite to bring some cheer to locals across six fun-filled days in Central Queensland.
The touring party includes former Queensland Maroons players David Shillington, Michael Crocker (pictured above) and Chris Walker, as well as Cronulla Sharks utility Kurt Capewell and ex-Bronco Shane Walker.
The initiative is close to the heart of Capewell (pictured below), who was born and raised in Charleville, a small but vibrant town located nearly 700km west of Brisbane.
"I'm absolutely thrilled that the game has come together to support those doing it tough in these areas," Capewell said.
"I can't wait to get home and see the joy that this experience brings to many, including some of my family and friends."
The tour starts on Monday, October 15 and will see the group visit five towns within the QRL's Central Region – Longreach, Blackall, Charleville, St George and Roma.
The group will join NRL Game Development teams at schools for a series of coaching clinics and will share plenty of laughs and stories with locals at some well-known watering holes towards the end of each day.
Lion, the QRL's longest-serving partner, is displaying its goodwill by generously donating XXXX Gold to each pub for locals to quench their thirst.
Steeden has thrown its support behind the tour as well, with each school to receive a bag of footballs.
QRL Director and Men of League National Director, Darryl Van de Velde, said it was shaping up to be a terrific week for everyone involved.
"We really feel for the people who are affected by the drought and thought we could make a difference by getting out into the communities to have a chat and listen to their concerns," Van de Velde said.
Mark Bunting, the Men of League's Queensland Wellbeing Manager, will travel with the group of former NRL players, who collectively played more than 700 first grade games.
Tour Schedule:
• Monday, October 15
Longreach: Longreach State School, Birdcage Hotel (4pm to 7pm)
• Tuesday, October 16
Blackall: Blackall State School, Barcoo Hotel (4pm to 7pm)
• Wednesday, October 17
Charleville: Charleville State School, Charleville RSL (4pm to 7pm)
• Thursday, October 18
St George: St George State School, Aussie Hotel (4pm to 7pm)
• Friday, October 19
Roma: Roma State College, Commonwealth Hotel (4pm to 7pm)
• Saturday, October 20
Roma Men of League Golf Day
