The South Newcastle Lions and Maitland Pickers have been long-time enemies on the NEWRL battlefield over the years.
But, the two clubs – who also contested the 2024 Denton Engineering Cup grand final – will unite for a very worthy cause at Merewether’s Townson Oval this weekend.
While they’ll still go hammer and tongs at each other for 80 minutes on Saturday 9 August, the 15th annual Sleapy’s Day allows them to join forces, before and after the clash, to help others in need.
As well, the Souths and Maitland faithful will honour loved ones they’ve lost too soon, while raising funds for Sleapy’s Foundation.
“This round means a lot, especially this year with Robynn [Sleap] going through her own cancer battle,” Lions winger Jacob Afflick said.
“And, in terms of getting around people, and giving them the opportunity to take their minds off what’s happening in their own lives, that’s pretty special.
“It really puts things into perspective.
“At the same time, our coach Andrew ‘Bobcat’ Ryan is big on trying not to let the emotion of the day take over us.
“However, it’s hard not to think about it.
“Playing 80 minutes of football is nothing compared to what they’re going through at the end of the day.
“But, as a club, we’re more than happy to assist Peter and Robynn.
“We’ve been very blessed to have Sleapy in our corner… and what he gives back to us and the community.
“So, for the Souths players to be able to do likewise for him every year – and put on a good performance – is an honour.”
The 2025 edition features the Lions and Pickers for the third consecutive season, with the latter holding a 2-0 advantage over the hosts.
“Maitland’s beaten us the past two occasions and last year was quite convincingly,” Afflick said.
“However, in terms of our current campaign, we need to win this game to stay in the hunt.
“So, hopefully, we can lift and knock them over for a change.
“I know that would make Sleapy happy,” he added with a laugh.
But, Afflick and his teammates won’t receive any favours from the Pickers.
“We’re coming [there] to win,” Maitland skipper Sam Anderson said.
“It’s a tight competition, so we can’t afford to drop a match.
“Although, we’re delighted to be involved in something like Sleapy’s Day.
“It is a huge thing for the Pickers… we’ve had a couple of blokes heavily impacted by cancer and other kinds of illnesses recently.
“For example, Hayden Moth was our inspiration in 2024.
“He came into the sheds and presented our jerseys, which was quite an emotional time for him, his family and the boys.
“A Maitland and Lakes United man, he sadly passed away at the end of last year.
“However, he’ll still be at the forefront of our minds – and on the front of Souths’ jumpers.”
Like countless others, Anderson has nothing but praise for the Sleaps.
“What Peter and Robynn do, as well as the foundation, for those suffering from this terrible condition and disease is fantastic,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.
“It’s great rugby league brings people together like this but it’s far more than just a game.
“We can create awareness and raise money afterwards through the jersey auction.
“I’ve actually seen how grateful those families are.
“When we put up our hand to take part, we didn’t just want to turn up.
“We included our supporters and sponsors, everyone.
“And, we’re keen to put on a show.
“We don’t want to turn up and feel like we haven’t contributed to the day.
“I think we’ve really bought into it as a club over the past couple of seasons and we’re aiming to do even better this year.”
Gates open from noon.
Meanwhile, tickets – $5 each – are available for the raffle, with some incredible prizes on offer, including a $5,000 italktravel The Junction voucher, Healing Wave Chiropractic – Family Chiropractic Care Starter Pack, EMG Photography package, four tickets to Cirque du Soleil Corteo, Sharkskin voucher and merchandise pack, The Good Dentist voucher, round of golf for four people at Cypress Lakes, and Hunter Valley Gardens family pass.
Click here to purchase yours today.
For more community stories:
- Memories of much-loved Angels to soar on Sleapy’s Day
- Community remembers ‘Mayfield Jesus’ Adam Hardes
- Sleapy’s Day 15 years on… and still going strong
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