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 (rugby league). 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 currently has over 22,500 members and 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 (rugby league). 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

Chief Executive Officer:

Memberships and Operations: Jason Turik

Media, Marketing and Sponsorship: Louise Duff

Welfare Manager: Ben Ross

See also

• Women in League