Rugby league greats pack down for drought relief tour

Queensland football stars head west to boost morale and talk all things drought.

KICKING OFF: Charleville-raised NRL player Kurt Capewell in action for the Cronulla Sharks. Capewell and other rugby league representatives will tour dought-stricken western Queensland this week. Picture: Contributed

RUGBY league heavy- weights have kicked off a six-day Drought Relief Goodwill Tour of drought- stricken western Queensland.

Maroons stars David Shillington, Michael Crocker, Chris Walker, Cronulla player Kurt Capewell and former Broncos player Shane Walker flew into Longreach Monday afternoon.

The tour will take them to Blackall, Charleville and St George before they make their way to Roma on Friday and Saturday.

Born and raised in Charleville, Capewell said he couldn't wait to see the joy this tour would bring to many rural residents.

"I'm absolutely thrilled that the game has come together to support those doing it tough in these areas,” Capewell said.

The group will host coaching and development clinics at schools, before finishing each day meeting locals and sharing stories at well-known pubs across the region.

Queensland Rugby League outback operations manager Peter Rafter said he had seen first-hand the hardships drought-affected residents faced.

"I can't speak highly enough of the country people and how they handle their situation,” Rafter said

"Rugby league is one of the few distractions they have from their everyday problems and anything we can do is appreciated,” he said.

Roma District Rugby League chairman Peter Flynn said it was a great initiative to address mental health issues among rural residents as well as discussing drought issues in an informal setting.

"I think it's great to see the city based rugby league players are aware that there are problems in our rural regions, and that these players are on board in supporting their country counterparts,” he said.

"I think it's a great initiative.”

Mr Flynn said if it was a success and the drought did not break soon, a second tour would take place early next year.

The group will meet with students from the Roma State College at the Commonwealth Hotel from 4pm Friday, before hosting the Roma Men of League Golf Day on Saturday.