GROUP Seven Rugby League club Jamberoo, over the past seven seasons, has supported numerous business as part of their annual charity day.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
From Beyond Blue in 2013, the Kevin Walsh Oval-based club has supported the Kids Wish Foundation (2015), LIVIN (2016), Cure for Brain Cancer (2017), RFS (2018) and the Mindset Project (2019).
The Superoos this year have teamed up with The Man Walk - which originated in Kiama in early 2018.
"This is a charity day we like to do every year and it's something we are proud of as a club," Superoos first grade captain/coach Jono Dallas said.
"We try and use the games we have here [Kevin Walsh Oval] to acknowledge worthwhile charities.
"This year is obviously The Man Walk, which is a really positive organisation that deals with mental illness.
"For me personally, it's one which in itself is an action [the act of walking], which is really cool - especially as it is a local organisation that's grown to be all over the country now.
"A lot of organisations are about awareness but the walk itself is an action that gives people who are dealing with issues an avenue to work through and as a club, we are really excited to support it."
"It [the recent passings] is not something we are happy about, as it's been very prevalent in the local community recently," Dallas said.
"Unfortunately as a club, we've been directly affected by a handful of cases now.
"Anything we can do to support the people within our club, we're happy to do and hopefully this event goes a little way to doing that."
Differently to previous years, only the first grade will be wearing the specially designed jerseys, with replicas being sold on the day.
A Man Walk, on the day, will be taking place around Kevin Walsh Oval - with the club having at least three players walking from 12-5pm all afternoon.
"It's all about encouraging people here on the day to get involved and take a positive step towards doing something, instead of just talking about it," Dallas said.
"Bean Roasted Coffees will also be here on the day, as that's in line with what The Man Walk is all about."
Founded by Gerringong physiotherapist Mark Burns, who started walking around Kiama Harbour with a couple of mates, The Man Walk has now expanded to 71 locations around the country.
"The Man Walk is all about connecting men and strengthening communities in which they live," The Man Walk committee member Damien Clarke said.
"After starting in Kiama, we now encompass both Gerringong and Jamberoo and are really proud to be a recipient of the hard work both these clubs are going to do on the day.
"We're very thankful we can continue the good work of getting men out there and supporting each other, which is no more poignant than in today's society.
"It's really important for blokes to open up in this kind of safe environment and realise there are avenues to you can lean on people if need be and ask for support - because we are all in this together."
The Superoos wanted to hold this year's charity against the Gerringong Lions, as they have also been dealing with similar issues - seeing a number of the men's playing group grow mullets for mental health awareness.
"We really pushed to make sure everything, including the jerseys, was in place for this round, as we really wanted Gerringong involved, as I know how much good work the boys down there are doing with their mullets," Dallas said.
"I'm sure all their players and supporters will get behind the worthwhile initiative."
The day will also pit the second-placed hosts against the league-leading Lions, in a top of the table clash.
"It's obviously great both clubs are ticking along nicely and with not a huge amount riding on the match, I'm sure both teams are looking forward to a chance to just get out there and play a tough game of footy," Dallas said.
"There's obviously a bit of a rivalry there, as we both enjoy playing one another.
"As a club, we always want to test ourselves against the best and right now, they are the benchmark.
"I'm confident if we play to our strengths and everyone does their jobs, which we have been doing the past few weeks, we will get the win."
First grade kicks-off at 3.30pm on Saturday.
That fixture is one of just six games at Kevin Walsh Oval on the day, starting with the women's league tag one match (Superoos vs Stingrays) at 9am - followed by third grade (Superoos vs Spuddies) at 10.15am, under 18s (Superoos vs Lions) at 12pm, reserve grade (Superoos vs Lions) at 1.45pm) and WLT two (Superoos vs Lions) and 5.15pm.
Numbers to call if you or anyone you know needs help are:
Lifeline 13 11 14
Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
MensLine Australia 1300 789 978
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36
Headspace 1800 650 890
QLife 1800 184 527