NSW Blues State of Origin side lifts spirits of flood-ravaged Murwillumbah

THE devastated town of Murwillumbah was able to smile again when the NSW Blues made an emotional, promotional visit led by coach Laurie Daley.

NSW Josh Jackson during the NSW State of Origin visit at Murwillumbah Leagues Club. Picture: Brett Costello

IT was just nice to see a devastated town smile again.

NSW Blues, take a deserved bow.

Murwillumbah had its heart ripped out by severe floods on April 1. But this was no joke.

About 200 parents and kids from the Murwillumbah Colts junior rugby league turned up on Tuesday to meet the Blues — their dampened spirits were lifted considerably.

Josh Jackson is the king of the kids at Murwillumbah Leagues Club. Picture: Brett Costello

Murwillumbah Colts has around 220 junior players, some families in the club still haven’t moved back to their ruined homes.

The emotional, promotional visit was the brainchild of Blues coach Laurie Daley, well known for his affection of bush footy clubs.

He knew what Murwillumbah had endured — and wanted to help.

Mitchell Pearce and Wade Graham with Luca Stuart during the visit at Murwillumbah Leagues Club.

While NSW players signed autographs behind the dressing room, Daley was on the field for an hour kicking bombs to about 40 delighted kids.

“It means everything to the people out here,” said NSW forward Josh Jackson. “This is a part of the job that you really love doing, coming out to these country areas where you can see how much the kids appreciate it.

“They don’t get to see NRL or NSW players very often.”

New Blues skipper Boyd Cordner.

Blues teammate Wade Graham added: “The community here has had some challenging times. It would have affected everyone, the community, jobs, local businesses.

“Looks likely they are just starting to get back on their feet. For us to come here and spend some time with them, it’s good. The impressions you make on the kids, they are impressions that will stay with them for a long time.”

Murwillumbah Colts president Daniel Gray explained the mayhem that unfolded in April.

It was a glimmer of hope for a town doing it tough.

“Our canteen was completely inundated with water,” Gray said. “From floor to ceiling.

“All our drinks, fridges, pie warmers, microwaves, ruined. All our gear in the storage shed. Training gear, tackling pads, bump pads, goalpost pads.

“NSW coming here is huge for our community. It’s massive.

“There are families in the club still not back in their homes. The whole south side of our town — pretty much our industrial areas — all completely inundated with water.

“Levels that have never seen before in our town.”