In a bid to tackle the worst drought in history, former rugby league players paired up with the Men of League Foundation and travelled across the countryside, spreading a flicker of light in dark times.
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‘Tackling the Drought’ is a rugby league call of action created by former Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and South Sydney Rabbitohs forward Joe Thomas, who witnessed the devastating sights in Mudgee during a visit in winter and immediately began to make a plan of action.
Thomas saw the need for emotional and psychological support, and began spreading the word to current and former players.
His efforts were recognised by the Men of League Foundation, and soon enough, his thought had become a reality.
The aim of the initiative was to raise the spirits of farmers and bring them some cheer, and show them that we care.
- Joe Thomas
There were a total of five buses hauling league players from a mix of teams across the region with stops held in Coolah, Cassilis/Merriwa, Scone, Glen Innes, Inverell, Armidale, Narromine, Gilgandra, Mudgee, Parkes, Cowra, Forbes, Griffith, Rankin Springs and Narrandera.
Thomas’s reasoning for mapping out these stops was in a bid to have a presence in areas more by the big dry.
“We went to a lot of small towns rather than the bigger ones because they are doing it more tough.”
“It’s important to try and favour smaller towns to help them economically.”
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Former Sydney Roosters and Canterbury fullback Rod Silva, said there was no doubt in his mind that he wanted to be a part of the tour.
“I love country people, I always have.”
“If we can make people happy for a couple of days, then I am all for it.”
Spending a lot of his time growing up in the bush, Silva understands the hardship felt by those struggling.
Although some support has been handed out by the Government, Silva believes there is more that can be done.
It’s up to mother nature when the rain comes, but with everything else, I think we can help.
- Rod Silva
“I hope there is continued support for these guys because who knows how long this drought will go for.”
Former Souths and Cronulla prop and second rower Les Davidson who was born in Bourke and raised in Dubbo, says many of the city people are unable to grasp the situation, with the immediate reaction of green must mean good.
“They probably don’t realise what’s going on on the other side of the mountains.”
“They see green and immediately think it’s good but really, there are no crops or produce being produced.”
The three day venture was a success with the possibility of becoming an annual tour for as long as the drought continues.
Thomas encourages those who are struggling to try their best to pull through in the utmost devastating situation.
Hang in there, we are right behind you in everything we are doing and we understand exactly what you are going through and I hope the clouds open up for you.
- Joe Thomas
‘Tackling the Drought’ was held from October 5 to 7, stopping in Mudgee on the Sunday.
Email our sports journalist | jay-anna.mobbs@fairfaxmedia.com.au
Jay-Anna Sleeman
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
