How quickly time moves on – the annual Sgt Matthew Locke MG Charity game is on Saturday.
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Having been played seven times with the Army Thunder leading 6-1 it is time the Bellingen Magpies took stock and come up with a win.
The Magpies are certainly in a good position to do so. They had their first hit out last weekend at the Coffs Harbour Nines and came up with a win and a couple of close losses. Trainer Wi Tuhi has conducted a solid fitness programme so that should not be a problem.
The recruitment of Cameron Blair, Jaimie Kelly and Daniel Slater will certainly add class to the team.
Players such as last years Player of the Year Corey Cross, Luke Beaumont, Troy Robinson, Edward Wheldon, Luke Rose, Jack Mitchell, Matt Bush and Juke Suter will certainly be giving their all to get a win.
Former NRL players Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Neville Costigan and Stuart Kelly will certainly add some class to the line up.
The day’s program starts at 11am with the Magpies U18s playing Macksville.
If you witnessed last year’s entertaining League Tag game between Bellingen and Uralla it is on again at 12pm.
Then Woolgoolga will play Uralla in a first grade game.
With no defence force championships this year the Navy and Air Force have once again committed to play. The Navy Tridents will play 2016 Group 2 Premiers South Grafton and the Air Force Jets will play Macksville. At around 6pm the Magpies will play the Army Thunder.
Brad Fittler and his Hogs For The Homeless touring party including Steve Menzies, Nathan Hindmarsh, Ian Schubert, Danny Buderus, Tim Brasher, Paul Sironen and Steve Roach (all ex NRL players) have also promised to be in attendance and play a couple of nines games.
Ben Roberts-Smith VC is also coming.
“This memorial game is a great way for us to acknowledge Matty's sacrifice and show our appreciation for it,” Mr Roberts-Smith VC said.
“The local community has really gotten behind the Day and help grow it into a significant event. Overall its always a great opportunity for us to get together and remember our mate while also creating a positive outcome for the Grub Club, Soldier On and local organisations.”
As usual The NSW Governor His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret'd), and Mrs Hurley will also be in attendance as well as Mark Donaldson VC.
What a day – all profits going to charities Grub Club, Soldier On, Fernmount Rural Fire Service and Bellingen Junior Rugby League.
While things are looking positive for the club the Magpies are always on the lookout for more players.
At the moment the U18s could certainly do with more players, and the club is also hoping for a few more jumper sponsors to help the local Club out.