One of the most popular events on the region’s fundraising calendar returns to action next month after a COVID-enforced hiatus.
Coal miners throughout the state will lace up their footy boots again for bragging rights and the chance to walk away victorious from the A-Plus Contracting Hunter Valley Mining Charity Rugby League Day.
Each year the tournament, in support of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (WRHS), continues to grow in popularity.
And, despite multiple postponements due to pandemic restrictions and adverse weather conditions over the past couple of seasons, all roads will lead to Singleton’s Pirtek Park on Saturday 17 September.
Thirteen men’s teams and two women’s sides are vying for the coveted Charity Shield in 2022.
While the event boasts a strong sporting flavour, the importance of the day is not lost on the participants or supporters.
More than $120,000 was raised at the previous outing in October 2019.
WRHS regional partnerships officer, and event manager, Danny Eather believes the Hunter Valley Mining Charity Rugby League Day will bounce back bigger and better than ever.
“The overwhelming support we’ve received from everyone – from players, sponsors and the wider community – has been fantastic,” he said.
“I guess that’s why it’s become a highlight on so many people’s schedules.
“It offers something for everyone and, ultimately, celebrates the community’s love of rugby league, local miners and the vital lifesaving work undertaken by their rescue helicopter.
“I, like many, was disappointed that we had to postpone the event multiple times during these past two years… for the right reasons of course.
“Now, since announcing its return, the anticipation is building.
“I am so looking forward to standing on the hill at Pirtek Park and seeing a full field of participants and spectators.”
WRHS CEO Richard Jones OAM echoed Eather’s sentiments.
“The rugby league community and mining industry have always been great supporters of the service,” he said.
“This event brings both groups together in a unique competition.
“So, we greatly appreciate the ongoing backing of sponsors, players and spectators.
“Personally, I cannot thank the community enough, not only for their support but also their understanding during the challenging times we have navigated during the past two years.”
Matches begin from 9am with the first of the pool games kicking off, with the finals expected to get underway at 4pm.
Off the field, there will be children’s activities, giveaways and additional fundraising by way of raffles.
All teams will compete in a 10’s format competition with 10 players on the paddock enduring 10-minute halves.
Each men’s side is scheduled to contest a minimum of two fixtures before the highest points scorer in each pool will advance through to a sudden-death semi-final.
The victors from those showdowns progress into the decider.
Meanwhile, the women will battle it out in a best of three series as part of the Women in Mining Championship.
Entry on 17 September is $10 per person with those 16 years and younger free of charge.
Pre-purchase of tickets via the website is strongly encouraged to reduce congestion at the gates.
Tickets can be acquired by going to www.charityrugbyleagueday.com.au/tickets.
2022 A-Plus Contracting Hunter Valley Mining Charity Rugby League Day
POOL A
Mount Pleasant Phoenix
Hunter Valley Untied Cobras
Mt Arthur Meerkats
Bengalla Badgers
Mangoola Grizzlies
Mt Owen Mustangs
POOL B
Untied Wambo Wedgetails
Ravensworth Rhinos
Saddlers Creek Sharks
MTW Barbarians
Wambo Wolves
Bayswater Liddell Mega Wasps
MTW Razorbacks
WOMEN IN MINING SERIES
Hunter Hawkettes
Valley Vixens
2022 DRAW
(Saturday 17 September at Pirtek Park, Singleton)
- 9am: Mount Pleasant Phoenix v Hunter Valley Untied Cobras
- 9.25am: Mt Arthur Meerkats v Bengalla Badgers
- 9.50am: Mangoola Grizzlies v Mt Owen Mustangs
- 10.15am: Untied Wambo Wedgetails v Ravensworth Rhinos
- 10.40am: Saddlers Creek Sharks v MTW Barbarians
- 11.05am: Wambo Wolves v Bayswater Liddell Mega Wasps
- 11.30am: MTW Razorbacks v Saddlers Creek Sharks
- 11.55am: Hunter Hawkettes v Valley Vixen
- 12.20pm: Mt Owen Mustangs v Mount Pleasant Phoenix
- 12.45pm: Hunter Valley Untied Cobras v Mt Arthur Meerkats
- 1.10pm: Bengalla Badgers v Mangoola Grizzlies
- 1.35pm: Untied Wambo Wedgetails v MTW Barbarians
- 2pm: Hunter Hawkettes v Valley Vixen
- 2.25pm: Ravensworth Rhinos v Saddlers Creek Sharks
- 2.50pm: Bayswater Liddell Mega Wasps v MTW Razorbacks
- 3.15pm: MTW Barbarians v Wambo Wolves
- 3.40pm: Semi-final 1 – Pool A – 1st Place v Pool B – 2nd Place
- 4.05pm: Semi-final 2 – Pool B – 1st Place v Pool A – 2nd Place
- 4.30pm: Women’s final – Hunter Hawkettes v Valley Vixen
- 4.55pm: Men’s final – Winner semi-final 1 v winner semi-final 2
