BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
July 2nd 2008 02:51
He is one of the most prolific defenders in the NRL, but on Friday night Nathan Friend will tackle a different issue head-on – breast cancer awareness.
Friend will don pink headgear in the Titans clash with the top of the table Sea Eagles at Skilled Park to raise much needed funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
At 170cm and 85kg, Friend is one of the smallest players in the NRL, but that hasn’t stopped him racking up the second most tackles in the competition – an awe-inspiring 586.
He is just three tackles short of leader Michael Luck and they are both amazingly 65 clear of the next best – Panthers Nathan Smith.
“It comes naturally, I have always been up there in the tackle count,” he said.
“Being the littlest guy out there on the field, you always have back-rowers and front rowers finding the little man, I dare say they follow me around.
“I like to get in there and mix it with the big guys, it is part and parcel of the game, I really enjoy it.
“Why wouldn’t you, it’s the NRL!”
But his most important tackle on Friday night will not be registered on any list or statistic page.
The Titans hooker has seen the effects of cancer first hand and is willing to do everything he can to promote the message and tackle the prominent issue.
“I have been affected by cancer, my aunty passed away at 29, 14 years ago,” Friend said.
“She had ovarian cancer, I still have vivid memories of that, it is one of the worse illnesses out there, it is pretty debilitating.
“Hopefully they can find a cure sooner rather than later, if I can help that in anyway, I will for sure.”
Friend is not the only Rugby League player wearing pink this week in support of the cause, Sea Eagles Adam Cuthbertson will also wear pink head gear on Friday night, while the Bulldogs will wear pink socks on Monday night against the Rabbitohs.
“Hopefully we can raise some money after the game,” Friend said.
“The headgear will go up for auction and hopefully we can raise the Foundation a lot of funds.
“Of all the charities it is the one that hits home for me.”
Friend prides himself on putting his body on the line and likewise, isn’t concerned if he receives the odd bit of stick for wearing pink.
“A few of the boys have given me a bit of cheek,” Friend said.
“But it is all in good fun, it is for a great charity and I’m sure I will get a great reception on Friday.
“Certainly with all the players getting behind it, it will help us and the Foundation a lot.
“Hopefully people can dig deep and give towards the auction, for a great charity and a great cause.”
The headgear will be signed and put up for auction after the game.
Over the past four years, Rugby League has raised more than $400,000 for NBCF and breast cancer research and helped increase awareness and public support.
Rugby League Community Relations Manager, Trish Crews, said it was great to see the players actively involved in raising awareness for the charity.
“The National Breast Cancer Foundation is a One Community charity and we are thrilled to see NRL players and clubs working together and helping us to support this important cause,” Crews said.
For more information on One Community Charities Click Here
The Bulldogs “Women in a League of Their Own” Dinner will be held at ANZ Stadium on Monday 7th July during the Bulldogs v South Sydney match, with all the proceeds going to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
For more information click here
For more information on the National Breast Cancer Foundation please contact
Megan Walker on (02) 9299 4090
For all the latest news go to nrl.com
Friend will don pink headgear in the Titans clash with the top of the table Sea Eagles at Skilled Park to raise much needed funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Nathan Friend dons Pink headgear
At 170cm and 85kg, Friend is one of the smallest players in the NRL, but that hasn’t stopped him racking up the second most tackles in the competition – an awe-inspiring 586.
He is just three tackles short of leader Michael Luck and they are both amazingly 65 clear of the next best – Panthers Nathan Smith.
“It comes naturally, I have always been up there in the tackle count,” he said.
“Being the littlest guy out there on the field, you always have back-rowers and front rowers finding the little man, I dare say they follow me around.
“I like to get in there and mix it with the big guys, it is part and parcel of the game, I really enjoy it.
“Why wouldn’t you, it’s the NRL!”
But his most important tackle on Friday night will not be registered on any list or statistic page.
The Titans hooker has seen the effects of cancer first hand and is willing to do everything he can to promote the message and tackle the prominent issue.
“I have been affected by cancer, my aunty passed away at 29, 14 years ago,” Friend said.
“She had ovarian cancer, I still have vivid memories of that, it is one of the worse illnesses out there, it is pretty debilitating.
“Hopefully they can find a cure sooner rather than later, if I can help that in anyway, I will for sure.”
Adam Cuthbertson will also wear pink
Friend is not the only Rugby League player wearing pink this week in support of the cause, Sea Eagles Adam Cuthbertson will also wear pink head gear on Friday night, while the Bulldogs will wear pink socks on Monday night against the Rabbitohs.
“Hopefully we can raise some money after the game,” Friend said.
“The headgear will go up for auction and hopefully we can raise the Foundation a lot of funds.
“Of all the charities it is the one that hits home for me.”
Friend prides himself on putting his body on the line and likewise, isn’t concerned if he receives the odd bit of stick for wearing pink.
“A few of the boys have given me a bit of cheek,” Friend said.
“But it is all in good fun, it is for a great charity and I’m sure I will get a great reception on Friday.
“Certainly with all the players getting behind it, it will help us and the Foundation a lot.
“Hopefully people can dig deep and give towards the auction, for a great charity and a great cause.”
The headgear will be signed and put up for auction after the game.
Over the past four years, Rugby League has raised more than $400,000 for NBCF and breast cancer research and helped increase awareness and public support.
Rugby League Community Relations Manager, Trish Crews, said it was great to see the players actively involved in raising awareness for the charity.
“The National Breast Cancer Foundation is a One Community charity and we are thrilled to see NRL players and clubs working together and helping us to support this important cause,” Crews said.
For more information on One Community Charities Click Here
The Bulldogs “Women in a League of Their Own” Dinner will be held at ANZ Stadium on Monday 7th July during the Bulldogs v South Sydney match, with all the proceeds going to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
For more information click here
For more information on the National Breast Cancer Foundation please contact
Megan Walker on (02) 9299 4090
For all the latest news go to nrl.com
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