Darwin Dragons and Todd McManus to raise awareness for Bowel Cancer Australia

Darwin Dragons will fly the flag for their own Todd McManus in a special Bowel Cancer Awareness round following his return to the field after a long battle with the illness. Read what it means to him.

The Darwin Dragons will fly the flag for one of their own, Todd McManus, as they raise awareness for bowel cancer in this weekend’s NT Rugby Darwin round.

The centre was destined for great things in the game from an early age, and when he was scouted for the ACT Brumbies development squad in 2017 it was full steam ahead for his career.

He later won a premiership for the Queanbeyan Whites, an achievement he will always own, but shortly after, began feeling persistent, excruciating stomach pain.

Multiple visits to separate doctors and many months later he finally heard the dreaded words, ‘you have cancer’, and his painful journey continued.

Through it all his family and partner Courtney Tamati were behind him and integral for him pulling through, and since becoming cancer free he’s been able to return to the game that he loves.

McManus said returning to play hadn’t been without its challenges after a long stint off the field, but just to be able to do it was a reward in itself.

Todd McManus and Courtney Tamati model Darwin Dragons' Bowel Cancer Awareness jerseys.

“It’s been challenging, but also quite rewarding as well,” McManus said.

“I’ve noticed myself getting a few more niggles every week compared to what I usually had, but it’s definitely fun to be back out there.

“I’ve got a scan coming up and there’s always anxiety around that, but I’m feeling good and happy to just be normal again.”

The Darwin Dragons will help their man raise awareness for the illness this weekend in their matches against Palmerston at Skyring Park and the Pirates at University Oval.

Among the initiatives will be the sale of custom jerseys and kit, while donations can also be made, all going towards Bowel Cancer Australia.

On the jersey the lime green colour represents Bowel Cancer Australia and the white and light grey represent the ‘Never Too Young’ logo.

“The club has been there from the beginning and they’ve always had my back and been there to support me,” McManus said.

“This weekend is super special to me, just to have the support and help build the platform to reach out a bit further is all I can ask for.

“If people want to get behind supporting Bowel Cancer Australia come down on the day and buy a singlet or make a donation.”

Todd McManus modelling the Darwin Dragons' Bowel Cancer Awareness jerseys.

McManus has become a Bowel Cancer Awareness spokesperson since his journey with the illness and encourages everyone and anyone to get themselves checked, even if just as a precaution.

“It’s all about being on top of your health and if you have any concerns getting it checked out instead of brushing it aside,” McManus said.

“That’s particularly for people over 45, they can do the test for free but people often put it aside because they don’t want to do it, but from experience I know it can happen to anyone.”