What’s The Buzz: Laurie Daley heads to the bush to help Junee Diesels

Laurie Daley and Trent Hodkinson head to the bush in bid to help country rugby league survive, boxer’s generous Olympic gift.

It’s no secret bush footy is on its knees and great old clubs such as the Junee Diesels may struggle to even field a first-grade team this season.

This is why Junee’s favourite son Laurie Daley returned to his home town on Saturday to do something about it.

Daley and former NSW halfback Trent Hodkinson generously gave up their weekend to travel to the country town and took part in a registration day for aspiring rugby league players.

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Laurie Daley and Trent Hodkinson with young footy players in Junee

“So many bush clubs are struggling for support and it’s heartbreaking,” Daley said.

“So we decided to help out and hopefully it will make a difference. There are still so many talented kids running around in country regions and we need to ensure they are given the opportunities that I was lucky enough to get.”

It’s a shame this is all happening while country directors on the NSWRL board appear more concerned about playing political games than getting their own backyards in order.

GARSIDE’S GIFT TO INSPIRE NEXT GENERATION OF BOXERS

Olympian Harry Garside has donated his bronze medal from the Tokyo Olympics to the Melbourne Cricket Ground museum.

He hopes this generous act will inspire another young boxing hopeful to make it onto the big stage.

“I remember going to the museum when I was in high school in Melbourne,” Garside said, “I took so much away from it.

“You walk around looking at what all our champions achieved like Cathy Freeman did and it really inspires you.

“You never know … some young kid might take up boxing or another combat sport from seeing what I achieved.”

Olympic bronze medallist Harry Garside is handing over his bronze medal to the MCG museum. Picture: Jason Edwards

Garside’s bronze in Tokyo was so special in that Australia hadn’t won a boxing medal at the Olympics since Spike Cheney in Seoul in 1988.

On giving away his medal, Garside said, “I’m always focusing on the next win, not the past.

“It was just sitting at home. I’m really proud that it will be on display and so many sporting enthusiasts will get to see it.”

The 24-year-old, trained by boxing legend Johnny Lewis, will have his second professional for the Australian lightweight title against Manuer Matet on April 6 at the Hordern Pavilion.

Lewis says he is not surprised by the fighter’s generosity in leaving his medal with the museum.

“He’s just a great kid,” Lewis said, “a real breath of fresh air in boxing.

“Boxing is going forward really well at the moment because of boys like Harry. It’s a great thing that he’s doing.”