Sharks star Kurt Capewell joined ex-Maroons Chris Walker, David Shillington and Michael Crocker on a tour of the Central Queensland region in supporting the Queensland Rugby League's Drought Relief Goodwill Tour.
For Capewell, a native of Charleville, it was a chance to go home, and while there was a chance to catch up with family and friends, his main purpose was to get behind the QRL's drought relief initiatives and to give back to rugby league in the region.
On the tour, which began in Longreach and ended with a Men of League Golf Day in Roma, Capewell and his traveling party, the QRL and ISC Sport, helped raise more than $4000 for Australian farmers.
QRL Managing Director Robert Moore confirmed the funds would be handed on to its drought relief partners in Rural Aid and Drought Angels.
"We're extremely proud of the initiative which once again reinforces the standing of the game in our communities and rugby league's unique ability to make a difference to so many," Moore told QRL Media.
"Special thanks must go to ISC for their investment and willingness to get behind such a meaningful project."
The group spent time in Longreach, Blackall, Charleville, St George and Roma, stopping in at local schools and watering-holes, lifting the spirits of locals, thanks to the generosity of XXXX.
Day three of the Tour was when Capewell was back in familiar territory in Charleville, where he was the main attraction at the Charleville RSL where the party stopped in for some dinner, with family, friends and fans coming by to say hello.
Earlier in the day, the group of players plus QRL, NRL Development and Men of League staff, split into groups, stopping in at Augathella State School then Charleville High School to take part in a friendly touch game.
Shaun Radnedge, a local Murweh Shire councillor, butcher and rugby league identity, in speaking to QRL Media was high in his praise of Capewell for his efforts in giving back to his local area.
"He's very generous, probably in the last (few) years that he's been involved in Sharks he's given me about seven or eight jerseys that I have raffled off and that pays for fuel money for our (junior rugby league) kids to go anywhere," Radnedge said.
"It's much appreciated; he's a great kid, very generous – you only have to give him a call and what else can I say."
On the wall was a jersey special to Capewell but one which turned out to be of even greater value to the local junior club.
"That is his first (Sharks) jersey that he gave to us," Radnedge pointed out "We raffled that, and that paid for Under 14s to travel and play for all of that year. Since then, he's always been a very big supporter of our country footy."
Since the goodwill tour in mid-October, Capewell has returned the Sutherland Shire and this week to NRL training at the Sharks.
In showing his tour of Central Queensland did him no harm, Capewell led all players on Tuesday in a 1.2Km time trial as he looks to cement a regular starting berth in the Sharks NRL team in 2019.
The Drought Relief Goodwill Tour itinerary
Drought Relief Tour Day 1 – Longreach
Our Lady's Primary School
Longreach State School
Longreach State High School
Drought Relief Tour Day 2 – Blackall
Barcaldine
Blackall State School
Barcoo Hotel
Drought Relief Tour Day 3 – Charleville
Charleville State School
Augathella State School
St Mary's Parish School
Charleville RSL
Drought Relief Tour Day 4 - Charleville / St George
St George State School
Aussie Hotel
Drought Relief Tour Day 5 - St George / Roma
Roma State College
Commonwealth Hotel
Royal on 99
Drought Relief Tour Day 6 - Roma
Men of League Golf Day
