Armidale is set to host a State of Origin legends of league match next March but it is dependent on attaining three key sponsors to back the fundraising event.
The match would see former NSW origin greats play against former Queensland origin players at Armidale’s Rugby League Park under lights with a date in March to be confirmed by January 10.
Event organiser Luke Fahey said funds raised from the match would go straight back into the community and to Armidale Hospital’s auxiliary unit.
“All proceeds raised from the match would be directly passed on to the hospital to be used as they pleased,” he said.
“The funds raised might revamp the hospital kiosk or something like that.”
Fahy, from Professionals, has been a regular fundraising figure in Armidale and across the North West for many years. He told The Express the idea to hold a legends of league match came from a event he organised earlier this year in Tamworth.
“I worked with a company called Locker-room Legends to get Steve Roach and Darryl Brohman to a charity lunch and fundraiser for Angel Flight,” he said.
“The brainchild to host a State of Origin came when I spoke with Craig (Teevan) from Locker-room Legends in Tamworth during that event about the possibility of a match in Armidale,” he said.
“Craig liked the idea and since then we have spoken more about it to the point where he and another staffer from Locker-rooms will be in Armidale in January to further confirm dates, players and so on.
Full report in today's Armidale Express.