By Tallon Smith

The Darlington Point-Coleambally Roosters have announced that they will be hosting an ‘Autism Awareness Round’ on the 13th of August against West Wyalong at Darlington Point Sportsground.

The round, which aims to raise money for the Ricky Stuart Foundation, is the first of its kind within Group 20, and follows a growing trend of positive social awareness events within the country rugby league community.

Event organiser and DPC Reserve Grade player Kurt Longford said the event will “mean a lot” to those in our community living with autism.

“Ever since I had an autism talk with the Canberra Raiders in 2019, I’ve wanted to raise awareness of autism in country rugby league,” he said.

“I’ve always wanted to play for DPC, and give back to the club across First and Reserve Grade.

“It’s all about giving back to country rugby league.”

Longford, who designed the jumpers, is a stalwart of local rugby league in the Riverina, having played for numerous clubs including the Narrandera Lizards, the Murray River Warriors, Wagga Brothers and now DPC.

He said the jerseys the club wears on the day will have an impact that goes far beyond the matches themselves.

“The jumpers I designed will be worn by Reserve Grade and they will keep them,” he said.

“The First Grade jerseys are getting auctioned off, and proceeds will go to the Ricky Stuart Foundation.

“I believe it’s the first time a club has worn Autism Awareness jumpers since the Canberra Raiders did in 2019.”

The matches, as stated above, are on August 13 against West Wyalong at Darlington Point Sportsground, with kickoff in Reserves slated for 1:20pm, followed by First Grade at 2:35pm.

Cover Photo: The Reserve Grade jerseys, to be worn on August 13 against West Wyalong, raising awareness of autism within the local community. (Supplied: Kurt Longford)