NRL to double funds raised for seriously injured former Wests Tigers star Simon Dwyer

SIMON Dwyer, the Wests ­Tigers forward left disabled by rugby league, could potentially receive more than $50,000 from Monday Night Football.

City vs Country

SIMON Dwyer, the Wests ­Tigers forward left disabled by rugby league, could potentially receive more than $50,000 from Monday Night Football.

Following revelations of Dwyer’s plight by The Daily Telegraph, his old club has promised — among a series of fundraisers — to donate $5 from every adult ticket or ­family pass sold for Monday’s match against Melbourne at Campbelltown Stadium.

Simon Dwyer still has to wear his right arm in a sling. Pic: Gregg Porteous

On Tuesday, NRL boss Dave Smith said his organisation would double whatever amount was raised in the ­special ticket deal.

Should the Tigers reach a crowd of 10,000, it would potentially be enough to hit the $50,000 mark.

“Whatever Wests Tigers raise through the ticket deal will be doubled by a matching donation from the NRL,” Smith said.

“I think everyone in the game has sympathy for Simon, who suffered an injury while he was poised for such a successful career. This initiative means fans can cheer on Wests Tigers and support Simon at the same time.”

Simon Dwyer at the gym at Concord Oval where he started a failed rehab program in an attempt to get back to full fitness.

Smith was also delighted that Friday night’s tribute dinner for Dwyer, to be held at Wests Campbelltown, had sold out, with more than 550 tickets snapped up. The NRL will have two tables at the dinner and provide auction items to help raise funds.

“This is an important weekend for Simon and we urge all fans to do what they can to support him,” Smith said.

Once a potential NSW Origin star, Dwyer has not been able to use his right arm since having five nerves ripped from his spinal column while tackling Canterbury forward Michael Hodgson three years ago.

Dwyer’s tribute night is the brain child of Brad Fittler.

Originally published as NRL to double funds raised for seriously injured former Wests Tigers star Simon Dwyer