‘Bundy Bulldogs’ legends Terry Lamb, Willie Mason in town to promote game

Jack Dempsey was back in front of the cameras on Tuesday, talking up the Bulldogs’ Cowboys game and revealing the promotional plan he hopes will convince more Sydneysiders to relocate to Bundaberg, despite the housing crisis that has left up to 2000 people homeless.

Bundaberg Mayor Jack Dempsey rubbed shoulders with Bulldogs’ legends Willie Mason and Terry Lamb on Tuesday morning at a media op designed to promote the impending NRL game against the Cowboys in Bundaberg on August 7.

It’s part of an exciting new NRL deal with Bundaberg, which will see the Bulldogs play home games at Salter Oval for the next three years.

The deal between the Bulldogs and Bundaberg Regional Council - where Bundaberg will be marketed to Sydney as the Bulldogs home oval - will help drive local tourism and support local businesses, enhance the region’s love of rugby league and nurture local talent.

But it was Mr Dempsey’s comments that took some by surprise on Tuesday.

Mr Dempsey spoke about the “economic” side of the relationship, telling waiting media he hoped the advertising would entice Sydneysiders to move to Bundaberg.

“Bundaberg will be promoted at the NRL home ground of the Bulldogs in Sydney, which will be targeting those suburbs in Sydney so Bundaberg will then be looking as a place, if anyone’s relocating to the regions, to here to beautiful Bundaberg (sic).”

This as Bundaberg struggles through a housing crisis that has created an unofficial homeless population of between 1800 and 2000 people.

Sue Tasker of Angels Community Group told the NewsMail in July she believed the homeless situation was a crisis.

“Even if they’ve got the money, they can’t get a house,” she said.

One of the big positives to come out of the Bulldogs games in Bundaberg will be development pathways for young, talented rugby league hopefuls.

Bulldogs icon Willie Mason said Bundaberg was a “breeding ground” for talented footballers.

“I think the NRL really needed to capitalise on how much Queensland, and this area of Queensland, just love rugby league,” he said.

Bundaberg Mayor Jack Dempsey welcomes Bulldogs legends Terry Lamb and Willie Mason to the region ahead of the team's clash against the North Queensland Cowboys at Salter Oval in August.

Mr Dempsey said the partnership provided valuable opportunities to potential up-and-coming players.

“It’s an enormous commitment for the Bulldogs club with the development of young men and women here in the Bundaberg region, it’s not just school visits, it’s the players that are coming through pathways at our schools, giving our young men and women an opportunity to be able to have hopes and a future in NRL,” he said.

The anticipation for the game continues to build, with rugby league fans certain the Cowboys, who sit second on the ladder, have the game in the bag over the Bulldogs, sitting at 14th.

One person who was not letting the pressure of the ladder get to him was Bulldogs’ legend Terry Lamb, who said he was optimistic about the talent within the team that would continue to develop with more field time under their belts.

“There’s probably a few games we could have won throughout the year, but with the team, Josh Jackson's played 250 games, there’s probably half a dozen players who haven’t reached that yet,” he said.

Willie Mason said the team had come back stronger this season.

“The Bulldogs have really improved the last six weeks; they’re playing to their potential,” he said.

Mr Dempsey thanked the team for their support of the community and urged Bundaberg fans to get out and support the side in the Cowboys clash.

“When they’re in New South Wales, it’s the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, but when they’re in Queensland, it’s the Bundaberg Bulldogs, and when they’re playing here at Salter Oval, this is their kennel,” Mr Dempsey said.

“I’m asking the whole of the community and the whole of the region to get out and wear the mighty blue and white to support the Bulldogs who are supporting this community.”

The game kicks off at Salter Oval on August 7.

Originally published as ‘Bundy Bulldogs’ legends Terry Lamb, Willie Mason in town to promote game