THE rivalry between Scone and Muswellbrook is set to pay huge dividends for local charity Where There’s A Will Foundation this weekend with a kick-off competition to take place – and the loser to donate $20,000 to the not-for-profit organisation.
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Old mates Jason Brooks from Ausure Scone and Michael O’Brien from Equilaw Solicitors in Muswellbrook, who used to be fierce rivals on the rugby field, recently had an argument about whose footy skills were superior and decided to have a bet against each other over who is better at kicking goals.
However, instead of the winner receiving the money from the wager, they decided to raise the stakes and make Where There’s A Will the beneficiary.
This weekend during the half-time break of the BHP Billiton Hunter Valley Group 21 Rugby League game between the Scone Thoroughbreds and Muswellbrook Rams at Scone Park, Brooks and O’Brien will take part in a kick-off with the loser to donate $20,000 to Where There’s A Will.
Each will have three kicks for goal from various positions on the field.
If there is a draw at the end of the attempts, they will have a kick-off.
“This is going to be the best outcome from any argument I’ve ever had,” said Brooks from Ausure Scone, the major sponsor of the Thoroughbreds.
“I’m feeling confident I’ll come out on top, but whichever way it goes the big winner on the day will be Where There’s A Will.
“I hope everyone gets down to the game on Saturday to support this great organisation.”
The $20,000 donation will go towards delivering mental health programs that are designed to support teachers and school staff to receive training and education on how to empower students to navigate life and flourish.
“Where There’s A Will is an excellent organisation and I’m really glad that this little rivalry between Brooksy and I can actually be beneficial to them,” O’Brien said.
“I feel that our local community needs to place a strong focus on educating young people about mental health and the foundation is playing a pivotal role in ensuring this important subject is front and centre.
“I’m proud to be able to support Where There’s A Will and it’s great that Group 21 rugby league has got behind this great cause.”
The final round of the regular season has been dedicated to the Where There’s A Will Foundation.
All clubs will participate by wearing specially-designed jerseys to raise funds and awareness to support work to reduce suicide rates and improve mental wellbeing across the Upper Hunter.
The Where There’s A Will foundation was created by the Carrigan family from Bunnan, who were spurred into action after tragically losing their 24-year-old son and Scone Thoroughbreds player Will Carrigan to suicide on Christmas Day 2015.