Lunch with rugby league legends

FORMER NRL stars and rugby league legends will gather for a special fundraising lunch to support junior and senior rugby league at Bilambil.

The Bilambil Jets Old Boys Lunch will be held at The Pavilions Hotel Terranora on Friday, March 7, with proceeds helping players in need and supporting the wider community.

Former NRL stars Todd Carney and Mitchell Pearce will be special guests, with the pair now running a podcast together.

Both represented NSW and Australia, and Carney has played for Byron Bay in the Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League in recent years.

They will be the main speakers, joined by legends Larry Corowa, Graham Eadie, Brent Kite, Ray Price and Paul Sironen, among others.

Event organiser Craig Rowles said the lunch is a way to give back to the community while strengthening local rugby league.

“It’s a great way to tap into resources that we otherwise wouldn’t have,” Rowles said.

“Everyone that comes along has a great day and all the money goes back into the community in some capacity.

“Having an old boy’s fund allows us to help players who get injured or might end up needing some financial assistance along the way.

“It also goes beyond rugby league – last year we donated to a local family whose daughter was going through cancer.”

There will be a jersey auction on the day, along with boxing memorabilia from Jeff Fenech and Tim Tszyu.

Neil Pringle will be the Master of Ceremonies, with entertainment from comedian Darren Carr.

Some of the biggest names in the NRL women’s game will also be in attendance, including Australian and Queensland five-eighth Tarryn Aiken and Gold Coast Titans and NSW winger Jaime Chapman.

“Neil and Larry (Corowa) were great last year and that gave us confidence to put it on again,” Rowles said.

“We’re competing with a lot of other clubs in the region now, but we all try and support each other with these events.

A courtesy bus will run from Kirra Hotel and Tweed Seagulls Rugby League Club, with times to be confirmed.

Tickets are selling fast. For inquiries, contact [email protected].