Men of League Foundation


The Men of League Foundation is an Australian rugby league charity which was founded in 2002 by former NRL players Ron Coote, Jim Hall and Max Brown. The aim of the Foundation is to provide support and assistance to men, women and children from the rugby league community who have fallen on hard times. The Foundation is considered one of the largest sports-based charities in the world.

History

The Men of League Foundation was established on 11 July 2002 by former NRL players Ron Coote, Jim Hall and Max Brown. The concept for the Foundation came about when Ron Coote was visiting his daughter in hospital and by chance, ran into former St. George Illawarra Dragons captain Doug McRitchie, who was in the late stages of prostate cancer. Coote told author Alan Whiticker that after seeing McRitchie alone in his hospital bed, he wondered why some of his teammates weren't with him or if they even knew of his illness. Following this encounter, Coote decided to create an organisation which brought former players back to the game and created a support network for the rugby league community.
The name Men of League was given to the Foundation by Narelle Hughes, wife of former Canterbury player Graeme Hughes, who had used the name for a calendar she had published for a number of years.
Following its inception, the Foundation has provided help and assistance to hundreds of rugby league players around Australia.

Key Staff

Stephen Lowndes - Chief Executive Officer
Vanessa Bolzan - National Manager – Membership and Fundraising
Jessica Macartney - National Manager – Wellbeing
Kellie-Ann Furner - National Manager – Administration
Bruce Walker - New South Wales Manager
Darryl Van de Velde - Acting Queensland Manager
Mark Bunting - Queensland Wellbeing Manager
Jodie Watson - Queensland Events Manager
Belinda Perry - Queensland Administration Officer
Paula Feagaiga - Membership and Database Executive
Christina Rallis - Marketing & Events Coordinator
Tony Luck - Financial Controller
James Rayment - Financial and Administration Assistant