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The Men of League benefit night for Jacki Haggett was a wonderful success. Jacki and her husband, Men of League member and former Manly player, Charlie were taken aback by the fantastic support shown by the Rugby League and Police fraternity, and the many friends and family, who supported the night which was held at Nelson Bay Diggers on the 30th April. Nearly 500 people attended the gala event to support Jacki who is battling breast cancer. Many people worked tirelessly to make the night a success but special mentions go to Jeff Farmer and Dave Woods, who are police colleagues of Charlie, and Men of League members Jim Hall, Richard Jones, Mark McCabe, Ross Gigg, John King, Chris Kelly and a big thank you to Len Worgan, who raised more than $1,700 through his own efforts for the night.
A fantastic array of merchandise and prizes were donated for auction and raffle prizes. Some of the items on the night included signed Australian cricket gear, including a bat from Mathew Hayden, shoes from Michael Clarke and Mitchell Johnson, two Don Bradman prints, New Zealand Black Caps autographed bat, Nathan Brackens 20/20 shirt signed by the Australian team an Australian rugby jumper autographed by Adam Gilchrist. Some of the other auction items include bottles of Grange Hermitage, a surfboard autographed by Joel Parkinson and Mark Richards, Casey Stoner autographed visor, various signed NRL, ARL and State of Origin League jumpers, a golf bag autographed by Adam Scott, a signed Sydney Swans jumper, a corporate box to the Newcastle Knights, two marquees at the Newcastle races and the list goes on. The response for auction and raffle prizes was overwhelming and there are too many items to list but the Men of League would like to thank all of the people and organisations who donated a prize.  Charlie Haggett
A big thank you to some of the special guests who attended the night, including Bob McCarthy, Johnny King, Noel Kelly, Chicka Moore, Stuart McGill, Royce Ayliffe, Cliffy Lyons and to those who entertained the big crowd, Murray Hartin (the bush poet), Noel Cleal, Steve Roach and the fantastic John Paul Young. JPY was a fantastic as he hit the stage to sing “Love is in the Air” and didn’t the crowd, especially the ladies, go wild. Well done to the Manly Sea Eagles and the Newcastle Knights who strongly supported the night. The Manly boys had a mini bus full of players and officials, and the Knights had a table of players and officials including the recently announced NSW captain Kurt Gidley and former NSW player Steve Simpson in attendance. Jim Hall spoke very well on behalf of the Men of League and due to the success of the night Jim is working hard to establish a Men of League committee within the police force, and finally to our MC on the night, Jim Callinan - congratulations on a job well done.
 Jacki Haggett & John Paul Young
There were some touching moments on the night. Charlie Haggett spoke beautifully on behalf of Jacki and the family. He, no doubt, battled many emotions on the night and spoke eloquently on how Jacki’s strength has been an inspiration to him and his family. The family were deeply moved by the support that had been shown to them, not just on the night, but from day one when Jacki became ill.
Another special part of the night was a presentation made to former Newtown star Brian ‘Chicka’ Moore. Chicka hasn’t been in the best of health of late but what happened certainly lifted his spirits. Back in the early 1970’s, Chicka had promised his Newton jumper to the ball boy, Brenton Smith at the end of the season. At the end of the year after the final game Chicka forgot all about the deal with the ballboy as he swapped his jumper with his opposing player on the day. On the way into the leagues club that night Chicka spotted Brentons dad Ronny. Chicka apologised about not giving Brenton his jumper and that he felt bad about forgetting. Chicka told him to wait for him and off he went and came back a little while later with his NSW jumper, which he gave Ronny to give to his son. Chicka would not take no for an answer. Well some 30 years later Brenton has grown up, and he along with his dad, had Chicka’s NSW jumper framed and when they called Chicka up on stage and relayed the story, they then presented the jumper back to Chicka. It was a touching moment.
 Brian Chicka Moore
At the end of the night over $60,000 was raised. Charlie and Jacki announced on the night that they would make a $10,000 donation to the Port Stephens Relay for Life.
By Ross Gigg Secretary - Men of League Newcastle & Hunter Valley Committee |
