A whole pack of former Wallabies (and a former All Black) have accepted an invitation from the Cairns Old Crocs Rugby Union Club to play in the Gold Legends Invitational Charity Match, an exhibition game against a Cairns Barbarians XV on Saturday 10th July. 6.00pm at Barlow Park.

Proceeds from the game and other events will go to Make-A-Wish® Australia and local junior rugby union development.

The Cairns Old Crocs have been in existence since 1999.  The club is an Over 35’s Rugby Union Club and they pride ourselves on assisting all levels of rugby union in the Cairns area.  Many of their members are involved with the Cairns and District Rugby Union clubs offering skills and experience.  Many members are coaches and managers of junior teams and club.A few members of the Old Crocs including an Ex Wallaby, Troy Jaques, have for some time toyed with the idea of this charity match.  Liaison with Danny Moore, the Fundraising Coordinator for Make-A-Wish® Australia’s Cairns Volunteer Branch, helped gel the idea further.  Troy contacted some of his old mates and other networks through ex players still working in rugby circles.

The President of the Cairns Old Crocs Peter “Richo” Richardson stated “that this would be a real boost to rugby in Cairns and swell the coffers of the beneficiaries of the fundraising”.  Old Crocs, former Wallaby, Troy Jaques stated “that a lot of his old playing cohorts were keen to come to Cairns to participate in our unique event and escape the cold weather in the south”.

Some 17 players have confirmed their intention to come and play.  They include Owen Finegan (a winning World Cup player), Pat Howard, Warwick Waugh, David Wilson, Matt Cockbain (Innisfail lad), Marco Caputo and Scott Robertson from New Zealand  and of course, Troy Jaques himself to name a few.  In addition to the players, Bob Dwyer, an ex winning World Cup coach will be the guest coach to the visitors.  He will be joined by Jim Williams, the current assistant coach of the Wallabies.  Jim will also conduct some skills sets with the Development Officer and representative players and many of the visiting players will also conduct junior coaching clinics on the Saturday morning of the game.

Clinic Bookings can be made through the Old Crocs – contact Gail – tournament@cairnsoldcrocs.com.au , on 0431 352850 or Troy Jaques – troy@cairnsoldcrocs.com.au   The clinic is free to attend but we would like numbers so that appropriate gear can be set up.

The guest players will be assisted by some young trainees from PASS Indigenous Youth Education and Leadership Program keen to improve their leadership and sport coaching skills. PASS Australia’s founder, Brenden Jones will also be in attendance and playing in the charity match.  

The Cairns Old Crocs team is made up of two players from each club in the Cairns league with the addition of Northern Pride Coach and former NRL star David Maiden plus Scott Gourley ex Australian international in both the Union and League Football codes having now accepted invitations. In fact Scott remains the last Australian dual code international to have debuted in rugby league following a rugby union representative career.

Danny Moore from Make-A-Wish® confirmed "This is going to be a full contact game.  These players are coming to play".  This is a game not to be missed. "Tickets are available via ticketlink and there are still a few corporate tents available around Barlow Park for the game". Grandstand tickets to the game can be
purchased at ticketlink.com.au or phone 1300 855 835 ‐ $15 each  

In addition to the game, the club is also hosting a large gala lunch the day before the game, Friday 9th July, at the Shangri-La Hotel incorporating a fundraising auction of memorabilia items each player will bring with him.  There is a capacity of 20 tables of ten guests (200 total) and with this line-up of superstars attending it's easy to see why anyone who hesitates will miss out.

Everyone is invited to join what will be an exciting game and a fun luncheon with Dick Marks, himself an ex Wallaby and Qld Reds player, as guest speaker for the lunch and anyone who has heard Dick speak before will know that the ticket price for the luncheon is good value just for him.  Tables can be bought and include a player.  

The visiting players will also be holding a Junior coaching clinic at Barlow Park on
the Saturday morning of the game at 10.00am.  Information has been been sent out to junior clubs and schools.

For further details contact Troy Jaques 0438 767 602 or his email troy@cairnsoldcrocs.com.au OR Peter Richardson 0418 747 550 or his email
richo@cairnsoldcrocs.com.au