Hardworking Danny Eather can’t seem to take a trick when it comes to the A-Plus Contracting Hunter Valley Mining Charity Rugby League Day.

Due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, the popular event – which raises much-needed funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (WRHS) in partnership with the Singleton Volunteer Support Group – has been postponed for a third time.

Scheduled for Singleton’s Pirtek Park on Saturday 19 March, it will now take the field at the same venue on Saturday 17 September.

The competition usually attracts 350 male and female coal miners from throughout the Hunter Valley – and beyond – to represent their respective mine sites.

“It was a difficult but necessary decision,” Eather said.

“While it’s deeply disappointing to postpone our flagship fundraising event again, the WRHS prides itself on delivering amazing event experiences.

“So, the wellbeing of our players, supporters, volunteers, staff and the wider community is paramount.

“Rescheduling it for later in the is the most responsible action we can take given the current circumstances.

“All existing player registrations will be simply moved across to the new date, along with all sponsor benefits being delivered up at this time.

“Those individuals who had pre-purchased entry tickets will have their money refunded via the Sticky Tickets platform within the next seven days.

“Sales will then reopen a closer date to the new event.”

Since 2014, the A-Plus Contracting Hunter Valley Mining Charity Rugby League Day has amassed $412,000 for the WRHS.

The figure alone in 2019 was $120,000.

And, the regional partnerships officer is eager to build on that amount.

“The support we have received for this event over the past seven years has been incredible,” Eather said.

“So, ongoing backing is crucial in helping keep our helicopter crews across Newcastle, Tamworth and Lismore to be ready to respond 24-7.

“On behalf of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, I expresses our sincere thanks to all players, sponsors, suppliers and volunteers for being so patient and understanding with the postponement again.

“We are super keen to see everyone join us in September 2022 after two-year absence from the local events calendar.”

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.