Tallon Smith

Two Group 16 clubs have joined forces to raise funds for former junior player Malaki Moreton as he looks to recover from a serious spinal injury.

The Narooma Devils and Moruya-Tuross Sharks junior clubs have organised a ‘Strength and Unity’ round for their upcoming clash on Saturday June 21, where funds will be raised for Moreton after his injury playing for Corrimal in the Illawarra Rugby League Third Grade competition.

Former Cronulla Sharks player and Moruya 2016 Clayton Cup captain Tim Weyman said that the fundraiser is a simple way the two local rivals can help one of their own in his time of need.

“If there’s one thing our two clubs agree on, it’s [that] it doesn’t matter if you play one season or your whole junior career, once you pull on one of our jerseys, you’re family for life,” he said. 

“And we always look after our footy families.”

Weyman explained to Battlers that Moreton played his junior football at both clubs, before moving to Wollongong for university studies.

“Malaki began his junior career with the Narooma Devils and finished with the Moruya-Tuross Sharks,” he said.

“He’s a proud part of both clubs, and this year, we’re putting our rivalry aside.”

Weyman explained how the concept will work, with sponsors and community members able to donate to Malaki’s fundraiser.

“Round 7 will be our Strength and Unity Round, dedicated to Mal,” he said.

“We’ll be selling raffle tickets and raising funds for Mal, a much-loved past player, teammate, and leader. 

“The Moruya-Tuross Sharks will also donate $10 for every Sharkies try scored on the main field that day.”

Despite the challenges ahead, Weyman said that everyone at the two clubs is behind the much-loved local on his road to recovery.

“His road to recovery will be long and hard but Mal’s never been one to back down,” he said.

“When the game got tough, Mal got tougher.

“Like his dad and siblings, who are still proudly part of our club, Malaki never needed words to show leadership or earn respect. 

“Quiet by nature, he led with actions, and every player in the younger ages looked up to him with admiration. 

“He had their backs, [and] now, they’ll have his.”

In addition to the Strength and Unity fundraiser, there is also a GoFundMe.

Donations can be made by clicking here.

Tallon Smith attends UOW and the Woolyungah Indigenous Centre on campus with Malaki.