NRL dedicate Round 1 as a Bushfire Appeal Round
In the wake of the bushfire crisis gripping the nation, the NRL has announced its plan to help raise money for victims and emergency services.
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NRL CEO Todd Greenberg has revealed that Round One of the 2020 NRL season will be a dedicated Bushfire Appeal round to help raise money for victims, as well as emergency services personnel and volunteers.
In a statement released by the NRL, this moves come as governing bodies across the competition, including all state leagues, clubs and the players’ association, have all joined together in order to help Australia’s bushfire affected communities.
Several clubs have already committed to donations, fundraising and auctions to provide help, including the Bulldogs announcing a $50,000 donation, but this move by the NRL seeks to bring all efforts together.
Penrith Panthers player James Tamou spent his Christmas break helping to protect homes in Braidwood, while the NSW Blues visited affected communities before the holidays.
Panthers prop James Tamou has spent his Christmas break helping extended family protect homes around Braidwood. We'll be thinking of everyone out there as conditions deteriorate tomorrow. ðŸ™ðŸ½â¤ï¸#AustraliaBurning #pantherpride 🾠pic.twitter.com/ta10ZFOcEE
— Penrith Panthers (@PenrithPanthers) January 3, 2020
“Our clubs and our players have so many links to these communities which have been impacted by these devastating bushfires,” Mr Greenberg said.
“Everyone I have spoken to wants to make a difference, we all want to help. The most effective and efficient way to do that is together in one co-ordinated response - a response that is both meaningful and provides communities with the assistance they need as they repair and rebuild.
“We know that rugby league is an integral part of these communities and we can make a real difference when our various bodies work together as one and that’s exactly what we are doing - from country rugby league right up to our elite NRL clubs.”
Round one of the 2020 season will kick off March 12 with the Parramatta Eels hosting the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at Bankwest Stadium.
Originally published as NRL dedicate Round 1 as a Bushfire Appeal Round