Orara Valley Axemen to host Wayne Bennett and Sam Burgess in Coffs dinner

Two of the biggest names in rugby league are heading to the Mid North Coast. Here's how you can get a piece of the action.

Wayne Bennett (left) and Sam Burgess will be heading to Coffs Harbour in July for a Orara Valley Axemen fundraising dinner. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins) NO ARCHIVING

The Orara Valley Axemen have lined up rugby league royalty in support of a push to return to the senior competition.

Coffs Coast league lovers have the opportunity to hear from one of the greatest coaches in NRL history after the Axemen lined up Wayne Bennett for a special Sportsman’s Dinner in July.

Bennett will join South Sydney greats Mark ‘Spud’ Carroll and Sam Burgess, who Axemen president Peter Spinks said had been instrumental in lining up the seven-time premiership winning coach.

It has been an open secret that Burgess has been spending time on the Coffs Coast and Spinks said it was “massive” to have someone with his profile helping out the club and supporting bush footy.

“We have been fortunate to secure a line-up that we wouldn’t normally see in Coffs,” Spinks said.

“Like any rugby league lover … you are not going a get (an) opportunity to come and listen to Wayne Bennett every day of the week.”

Mark Carroll is a former Axemen himself, becoming a hit with Mid North Coast footy fans in 2003 when he was coaxed up north by Nana Glen resident Russell Crowe.

Mark "Spud" Carroll played for the Orara Valley Axemen in 2003, Picture: Justin Lloyd.

The Axemen have had a tough few years, with a disappointing 2019 season being followed by the club making the tough decision to sit out the 2021 Group 2 competition due to a lack of players.

However, Spinks said the year off was an opportunity to “get ahead of the curve” financially and build for next season.

“This year was an opportunity to plan (and) run events to put some funds in the coffers,” he said.

“It enables us to get a good foundation to springboard into 2022.”

The Sportsman’s Dinner looks like the perfect way to continue their fundraising efforts, with the evening to include a live auction, two course meal, drinks package and entertainment.

Spinks was also thankful for the support offered from Pacific Bay Resort, who will be hosting the event on July 17.

For more information and to buy tickets visit www.stickytickets.com.au/4H53S