Help Lachlan get to U12’s State NRL Championships

Johnathon Thurston, Greg Inglis & Kalyn Ponga - they all started somewhere. You can bet that they were all involved in their school's Rugby League teams and received their chance at playing in the big leagues because of their commitment to the sport.


My son, Lachlan, has been given a wonderful opportunity to represent South Australia in the U12’s Rugby League School Sports Championship, being held in Queensland. This is his second year to be chosen to play in this comp, which is such a testament to his skill, his talent and his commitment to the sport he loves.


You might be wondering how Lachie developed his love of playing Rugby League if we live in SA where the main sport played is AFL. Honestly, it's a bit tough to talk about but I will do my best to explain. Lachie was born and raised in NSW where playing NRL is a right of passage and runs through the veins of many. Back home, Lachie was really able to involve himself in NRL and played every weekend. However, we were forced to move interstate to SA about 3 years ago. I won't go into detail, but having to uproot our lives in such an abrupt manner made for a very traumatic and tough time for us. Since breaking free from our previous life and settling in SA, I've made it my absolute goal in life to do whatever I can to support my kids dreams and to allow as much light and laughter into their lives as possible. While Lachie participates in just about every school sport that you could imagine, playing in this team in particular means so much to him on so many different levels. To be able to play Rugby League again gives him a little piece of home, puts a sparkle in his eye and a spring in his step.


Within the SA State team, each player is expected to train 2 – 3 times a week for the 7 or so weeks leading up to the championships as well as participating in several trial matches. The training is held in Adelaide which is about a 3hr round trip for us. All up, this will roughly equate to 75hrs of travelling & about the same for actual training, during the lead up to the Championship. Training doesn't finish until 7:30pm, so by the time we get home it’s quite late. It's crazy, I know, but Lachie does it all willingly and happily because he knows that this is what it takes to continue playing NRL at a State level and potentially make a career out of it someday. Lachie's commitment and maturity is honestly something that makes me so proud to be his mum. He is only 11 years old but if he doesn't inspire me to be a better person, I don't know what does. 


As a proud and fiercely independent single mum, I wouldn't normally ask for monetary assistance of any kind, but I have to be honest and say that on top of normal life, I will struggle to come up with the funds for Lachie's trip within the time frame we've been given to make payment. The total cost is working out to be around $5,000 and is due within the next few weeks. This amount includes flights, accommodation, registration, playing fees and levies, compulsory uniforms, transport and food. The total amount covers both Lachlan and I, as the preferred option for SAPSASA is to have a parent travel with their child. This will also require me to take a week off work, which unfortunately will be unpaid. 


The 3 players I mentioned in the beginning of this section are 3 of Lachlan's Rugby League idols. He looks up to them and often talks about how Thurston & Inglis are such great role models, especially for indigenous kids. To give him even the slightest chance to emulate these phenomenal players would fill me with so much joy. I truly believe that Lachie has the ability to make something amazing come from his talent and being able to go to this Championship event will play a huge part in shaping his future.


I will be so, so grateful to anyone at all who can spare a little money to put towards Lachie's trip. I'm not asking for a huge amount, just however much you can spare - whether it be $5, $50 or $500 – it will all make a huge difference. I will make sure that Lachie knows just how much you have helped him and we will both be forever grateful.


Thank you so much in advance,


Jaimie (Proudest Mum in the world)