WELLINGTON NEWS Hogs rut out new surface for Wellington Cowboys!
FREDDY FITTLER and a veritable who’s who of Australian rugby league roared into Wellington earlier today (Thursday, February 22), ready to meet fans and transform Kennard Park in the afternoon.
After nearly a century, the old footy ground is receiving a complete makeover courtesy of the NSW State of Origin coach and his dedicated herd of Harley (Hogs) riders who are throwing off the leathers and pitching into the dirt with a relish.
No rutting, just genuine hard work on the end of a shovel, rake or wheelbarrow for these blokes who are used to getting down and dirty for a cause.
Freddy, celebrating his elevation to coach of the Blues, is being joined by winning captain Danny Buderus (Newcastle Knights), Nathan Hindmarsh (Eels), Manly Sea Eagles legend Steve Menzies and Jillaroos star Kezie Apps in his travels around rural NSW raising awareness and funds for the Fr Chris Riley Youth off the Streets Foundation.
In true fashion, the knockabout kid from the west – “I grew up in Penrith” – who now lives in the eastern suburbs has harboured a passion to help those who have had a less fortunate background.
“I reckon I saw everything bad that kids can experience when I was growing up, and some of the kids I played footy with finished up in the city, homeless and in very tragic circumstances. So I approached Fr Chris because I had seen the work he was doing,” Freddy explained.
“He has been a very positive influence on my life and those of many others, so helping out in this way is a no-brainer.”
The hundreds of kids who have turned up to similar events in the past invariably can’t believe their eyes, seeing their sporting heroes in person and the transformation the whole team makes!
Wellington will have a magnificent new facility to match the brilliance of the rugby league nursery it has developed. The likes of Terry Fahey, Nelson Smith, Geoff Lousick, Blaine Stanley, Trent Runciman, Mick Peachey, Blake Ferguson and Tyrone Peachey have all trodden the somewhat bumpy turf at Kennard Park. No doubt the new crop of champions running, kicking and tackling today will relish the facility.
Expect more shooting stars to emerge from the fresh green turf, like Broncos brilliant centre Kotoni Staggs and former Panthers premiership-winning Holden Cup star Brent Naden.
Thanks to Freddy and his Hogs, the community of Wellington will now have a new “graveyard” for opposing teams.