A handful of ex-NRL stars will showcase their skills, while honouring three much-loved locals, at the second annual Brodie Pearson Memorial 9s in Maitland this weekend.
The A-Plus Contracting and Poly-Welding-sponsored event is set to celebrate the memories of not only Pearson, but also Lynan Scott and Blake Tisdell, who’ve passed away in the past 18 months.
The trio were popular members of the Aberglasslyn Ants Rugby League Football Club.
Pearson was a young forward who hurt his neck in a match in 2023 and, tragically, died later in hospital.
Scott, 33, and her partner Andrew were killed, along with eight others, in the Hunter Valley bus crash at Greta.
Thirty-one-year-old Tisdell collapsed during a pre-season training session in February and failed to recover.
“A group from the Ants wanted to pay their respects to Brodie by creating an annual tournament,” one of the organisers, Jack Kelly, said.
“In 2024, we’re also honouring Lynan and Blake by having their names headline the women’s and men’s pool games.
“They all loved rugby league.
“So, this is one way we can carry on their legacies each year.
“We’d also like to thank Newcastle Knights second-rower – and Cessnock Goannas junior – Brodie Jones, who’s donated a pair of signed match-worn boots as a prize for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (WRHS) raffle.
“In fact, all proceeds from the $5 entry fee, and various activities, will go to the WRHS, too.
“He’ll join NRLW squad colleagues Leah Ollerton, the 2023 NSW Under-19 State of Origin hooker, and Lilly-Ann White at the ground to meet people and sign autographs.”
Almost 300 players, including Andrew Fifita, Blake Austin and Pete Mata’utia, from 16 teams will participate in the showdown at the Maitland Regional Sportsground on Saturday 12 October from 8am.
The women’s final is slated to kick off from 6pm, with the men taking the field at 6.30pm.
Afterwards, the Male and Female Player of the Tournament will be announced.
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