Footy may be finished for another year but a group of league and union players from Port Stephens and Newcastle will put their bodies on the line for drought relief this weekend.
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Jack Maris and Denny Apthorpe, who played for Raymond Terrace Magpies Norths this year, will don the boxing gloves and fight in the Throwing Haymakers charity event at Raymond Terrace Bowling Club on Sunday, October 7.
Organised by Peter Hallett from Tuff'n'up Boxing, Throwing Haymakers will pit rugby league players from Raymond Terrace, Karuah, Aberglassyn and Awabakal plus members of the Newcastle Griffins and Waratah rugby union clubs against each other in the ring to raise money for Buy A Bale.
“It’s a good way to get guys in the sport because it’s three one minute rounds but this is about helping the farmers,” Hallett said.
“They’re having a hard time right now and anything we can do will help.”
While the league and union players are the main attraction, they will not be the only source of entertainment in Sunday’s charity clash.
Top amateur boxers from Port Stephens and Newcastle will also put on a show, going three two minute rounds each.
Apthorpe, who has been training with Hallett in the lead up to Throwing Haymakers, said he is looking forward to his first time in the ring.
He has been matched based on experience, height and weight with Awabakal rugby league’s David Dargan.
“I wanted to get in and have a crack, see what it’s all about,” Apthorpe said. “Hopefully I get the win. If I like it, I might stick with it.”
The six foot tall Maris is harder for Hallett to match. Having been boxing with Hallett for two years, Maris has a record of 18 wins and four losses. He has two state titles to his name.
Despite not knowing who his opponent will be, Maris said he is looking froward to the charity event.
“I can’t wait to go out there and put on a show,” he said.
Hallett will auction memorabilia, including a one of a kind Newcastle Knights poster signed by the 2001 team, which had hung in his Newcastle gym before having to close it earlier this year.
All money from the auction and a raffle will go to Buy A Bale.
Part of the proceeds from ticket sales, which cost $35 on the door, will also be donated to the drought appeal.
Boxing begins at 4.30pm.
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
