One of the great traits of rugby league is that no matter how fierce a battle is fought on field, the game will unite to lift one of its own who has fallen on hard times, and that was evident for all to see in recent times, as the rugby league community united to help injured Future Titans player Joseph Pouniu.
The Titans and the wider rugby league community came together to assist Pouniu as he recovers from a catastrophic spinal injury sustained playing a match earlier this year.
Across two key events – The Paul Murray Live show and ‘Joseph’s Journey’ fundraising luncheon – additional donations have seen the total raised go past the $1,000,000 mark for Joseph’s foundation.
Pouniu and his family are not currently Australian citizens so the NDIS support does not exist like it would for many others, so the rugby league community is stepping in and stepping up.
The luncheon held last Friday at Gambaro Seafood Restaurant saw a panel of rugby league royalty that included NRL CEO Andrew Abdo, Titans Chairman Dennis Watt, Matty Johns, Gorden Tallis, Cameron Smith, Wayne Bennett and Des Hasler entertain a crowd of over 250 people as they dug deep to support ‘Big Joe’.
There was even room for a guest auctioneer spot by Ray Hadley OAM, with the media icon using his skills of bygone era to drive maximum support for the highly anticipated auction items, that included a sauna, diamond ring and NRL money-can’t-buy experiences, amongst others.
It wasn’t just those in the room that threw their support behind the day though, with the NRL leading the charge as each and every NRL club purchased a physical or ‘virtual’ table to support the day, while the NRL-owned Gambaro Restaurant had costs offset by the game’s governing body, so the maximum funds could go to Joseph.
Titans Chairman Dennis Watt said it was afternoon that celebrated all that was good about rugby league.
“Joseph is a Titan for life, but he is also part of the rugby league family and events like these are what make this community so great,” Watt said.
“It doesn’t matter how hard each team plays on the field, when it comes to supporting one of our own who has hit hard times, all clubs put their differences aside and unite – and this is happening now for Joseph.
Paul Murray's surprise for Joseph
“The support Joseph has received across the game has been immense, but special mention must go to ARLC chair Peter V’Landys, Commissioner Kate Jones and the NRL under Andrew Abdo, who have been unwavering since day one.”
Hyundai also came in with significant support for Pouniu and his family by a modified Hyundai vehicle on the Paul Murray Live show on Thursday night.
Including modifications to fit Joseph and his chair the donation exceeds six figures and creates a freedom for Joseph and his family that they otherwise may not have been able to achieve.
While events like last week go a long way to supporting his long term recovery the fight or journey is not done yet. You can support by donating here.
Paul Murray Show: Dennis Watt, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Aaron Booth
