Big-hearted Bulls call on country grit in clash
TOP-OF-THE TABLE Barron Trinity Bulls’ strong contingent of boys from the bush will take added incentive into their blockbuster clash against JCU Mariners at home this weekend.
The Bulls will use today’s match to raise money for the Little Windmills organisation – a charity that provides finan- cial support for rural families with sick or injured children.
To help out, the club will auction 23 specially designed jerseys, with proceeds going towards the not-for-profit’s fundraising efforts.
Bulls veteran Dwayne Irvine said the cause was special to many of the club’s players.
“There have always been a fair few country lads at the Bulls and we all like to give a hand when needed,” Irvine said. “For me, anything that helps kids out tugs at my heartstrings and it’s a great organisation.”
A proud country boy himself, Irvine grew up in the tiny remote community of Ngaroma, 90 minutes south of Hamilton on New Zealand’s North Island.
The Irvines ran a “sheep and beef” property, with rugby a rare social outing for the family.
“There’s nothing there. It’s a rural community with a town hall,” Irvine said of his home town.
“Growing up, you learn to appreciate the distances people have to travel.
“We were 90 minutes away from anything.
“For Mum, she took us to our (rugby) games and it really meant a lot to us.”
Bulls second rower Henry Sigley said some old-fashioned country grit would be required against the club’s longtime rivals today.
“It’s always a big match,” Sigley said.
“It used to be a real grudge match back in the day.
“But I still get really fired up for these big games so it’ll be fantastic.”
The club is hoping to raise at least $2000 from the auction. The Premiers match starts at 4pm.