Collegians and Warriors come together to raise money for special cause

One of the biggest league rivalries in the Southern Downs will take on a special meaning when the under-17s take to the field this weekend – and it’s all come from the young players.

Coach Tim Doyle (bottom right) with his beloved U17 team. Trainers are: Matt Wainwright (bottom left in yellow) + Ryan McIvor (upper right in yellow)

One of the Rose City’s beloved and passionate footy coaches will be honoured by the team he leads this weekend, raising money for a cause close to his heart.

The rivalry between the under-17s Collegian side and the Wattles Warriors will also fuel a massive fundraising effort for the Autism Spectrum Australia, inspired by the family of coach Tim Doyle.

Coach Tim Doyle (bottom right) with his beloved U17 team. Trainers are: Matt Wainwright (bottom left in yellow) Ryan McIvor (upper right in yellow)

Mr Doyle his wife’s children, Evie and Hugh, have been both diagnosed with autism.

Doyle said he was proud of how generous his team was to pick a charity close to his and his families heart to support for their upcoming game.

“I’m so proud of my U17 boys, they picked the charity and designed the jersey for the day too, everything they’re doing is a bit of a tribute for me and my family which I’m really touched by,” Mr Doyle said.

“It really speaks to the character of the guys in the team to put that thought in, as well as going around on the big day selling tickets and raising money before they play.”

Mr Doyle started playing with Collegians since 1986 as a six-year-old, and has had a deep love for the club since, including recently coaching an unbeaten U15 side to victory last year. 

Collegians president Dave O’Leary said the driving force for Saturday was from the players picking the charity, and the club itself has nothing to do with it.

The 2022 U15 Warwick side coached by Tim Doyle had a terrific season last year (Photo: file)

“The players came forward and were responsible for what they do from a fundraising point of view, and we obviously want to teach the boys the values of giving back to the community,” Mr O’Leary said.

“Understanding the sacrifices people make as well. In Tim’s case life isn’t the easiest at home and for him to give up his time to coach the boys and spend time with them, it’s a good eye-opener for the boys.

“Rugby league has a long history, especially in Warwick, of going above and beyond for the community and we’re built around the community, so whenever there’s an issue or a cause you can guarantee rugby league somewhere is giving support. That’s what we do it for.

“We like to show off that there are bigger things in life, and there’s more to life than what happens out the footy field, and everyone has something going on so we have to do our little bit and maybe make things a bit easier for them.”

All the footy action kicks off at Dragons Den at Jackie Howe Drive, from 8am Saturday.