Matt Lantry is a real proud head coach this week… and it has nothing to do with any on-field performance.

Sure, his Maitland Pickers are through to their third consecutive Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League (NEWRL) grand final – and eyeing off a hat-trick of Denton Engineering Cups – in less than a fortnight’s time.

But, the highly-successful mentor’s thrilled by his players and staff’s generosity.

Maitland donated $12,000 to Sleapy’s Foundation, and co-founder Peter Sleap, before the kick-off of last weekend’s semi-final showdown with the Central Newcastle Butcher Boys.

It took the club’s charitable tally to $25,000 in 2024, with another hefty endowment to Emma’s Warriors, too.

“Although we participated in Sleapy’s Day again, this was something separate,” Lantry said.

“Our Denton Engineering Cup players donated $200 each and our reserve graders donated a match payment of $100 each to the foundation.

“I think that ended up about $7,000 between them and the staff.

“Club Maitland City then invested $3,000 while the Pickers (organisation) chipped in to make it a neat $12,000.

“It was a great gesture.

“However, when you have someone like former Maitland player Hayden Moth come in and talk to the team, it’s significantly important you have a responsibility to ensure you promote the charity (Sleapy’s Foundation) in the right manner but also provide financial support.

“That gives them the capacity to help more people.

“Hayden’s story – and his relationship with Sleapy’s – touched everyone.

“So, it’s just a wonderful initiative from our players and staff.

“It sums up the calibre of people representing our club when they go out there and play on a weekend, too.”

Lantry said it was vital for sporting clubs to not only “talk the talk” but “walk the walk”.

“We can sit here and say we’re a community-orientated organisation, however you have to deliver on it,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.

“It’s a bit like mental health.

“You can talk about it… but what are you actually doing to ensure your players and staff are looked after?

“I believe we’re the only club in the Newcastle competition that has an internal mental health network, in the name of Check5.

“We do regular check-ins with our players across the course of the season, via a text message-based system.

“That links them to the organisation, where they have an opportunity to confidentially flag any Issues they may have.

“They are then connected with relevant services.

“So, like I said, it’s one thing to say you’re a community-orientated club… it’s another thing to deliver on it.

“And, that’s why we supported Sleapy’s even further.

“For anyone to put their hand in their pocket, fork out $200 of their match payment and invest in the foundation which supports people who actually need it – particularly at the moment when the cost-of-living is through the roof – it’s a huge credit to our players.

“Plus, it’s the power of what Sleapy’s is doing and Peter speaking to the Pickers about it.

“Then throw in Hayden (Moth), who shared his journey with brain cancer.

“It all resonates with people, especially knowing anything they do actually helps.”

In receiving the cheque, Sleap admitted he was blown away from the support of the Maitland organisation.

“The Pickers are one of the most professional clubs I’ve had dealings with,” he said.

“Not only do they totally understand what Sleapy’s Day – and the foundation – is all about, they go above and beyond even after the game, or week, is over.

“It’s a pleasure to have them on board and Robynn, Dave and I are grateful for this donation.

“I’m just angry they keep beating Souths,” he added with a laugh.

For more community stories:

• Newy gym owner dancing with the stars for charity
• Sporting legend Jana Pittman praises Grow A Star initiative
• A new chapter for local mum after release of first children’s book

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