"The Men of League is the best thing to ever happen to Rugby League"
- Harry Bath in his acceptance speech after being inducted as a McDonalds Men of League Honouree at the 2005 Men of League Ball.
Wednesday 28th September saw the 4th AMP Financial Planning Men of League Ball hosted at the Sydney Hilton Hotel. The event was attended by 650 guests and was indeed the most successful Men of League Ball to date.
The ball was the major fundraiser for the year and successfully raised support for the Men of League with their charter in assisting former rugby league players, officials, referees and their families who have, for various reasons, fallen on hard times.
The night commemorated Barry Muir and Harry Bath's contributions to Rugby League by inducting them both as McDonalds Men of League Honourees. One of Queensland's greatest and most passionate football characters, Barry popularised the term ‘cockroaches' for NSW players. Bath successfully coached St George, Balmain and Australia to success throughout the fifty's and sixty's.
The night was themed around the Clive Churchill medal, as 2005 marked 20 years of the prestigious award. Joyce Churchill, widow of Clive Churchill attended the evening, along with 13 of the 18 previous medal winners. A framed and signed 20 year celebration of the Clive Churchill Medal winners was auctioned on the night and was purchased by Jai Kemp, whose photo will be taken with the 2005 winner in the dressing sheds after the Grand Final.
Thanks to the many supporters of the Men of League, a surprise presentation of an electric wheelchair was made to Motor Neurone Disease sufferer Garry Longhurst. The former Penrith and St George first grader's 11 year old daughter Megan sang the national anthem for guests on the night.
Many thanks to Graeme Hughes who was the event organiser and MC for the ball. His excellent efforts kept guests entertained throughout the evening.
The ball's other auction items included a suite for 20 in the exclusive corporate area at Telstra Stadium, purchased by John and Kevin Walkom from Techni-Clean Australia, as well as a Fijian Getaway for eight purchased by Nick Tizzone. AMP Financial Planning purchased item four, valued at $130,000 which consists of air-time with Channel 9, and advertisements in The Daily Telegraph, The Courier Mail, NRL, Big League and Rugby League week.
Thankyou to those who supported the AMP Financial Planning Men of League Ball. The evening successfully helped raise funds and allows the good will of the Men of League to continue.
For further information please contact Martin Cook.