If ever proof was needed that small gestures can have a big impact, one should look no further than the Goulburn Rugby Union Club.
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Over the last 12 months, the Dirty Reds have corresponded with the Tobou Rugby League Club near Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, and supported their members in playing the sport they love.
Dirty Reds president, Jackson Reardon, explained that Nash Boga, manager of the Tobou club, got in contact in early 2020.
"They're really passionate about league over there, but they don't have all the equipment that they need and they were hoping to get some donations, mainly jerseys," Reardon said.
The Dirty Reds recently posted photos to their social media pages in which members of the Tobou club are wearing Goulburn jerseys. This, Reardon said, was a perfect example of the camaraderie that sport brings out in people, even across oceans.
"It was not a huge thing for us to do, we had plenty of leftover jerseys that we had to dig out and send over," he said.
"It's a small thing that we could do to make their lives easier. It's probably now going to be the start of a relationship that will go on for a long time."
The gesture from Goulburn was greatly appreciated by the Tobou club, and Boga commented on the Dirty Reds' Facebook post to thank all involved for their efforts.
"We are very fortunate to have the jerseys from the great club Gouldburn Rugby Union in Australia," Boga wrote.
"My club wearing this jerseys were very happy as it was first of its kind from overseas.
"From papua new guinea we would like to thank Goulburn Rugby union club management for showing that generosity to us. We love you all...."
Reardon confirmed that the Dirty Reds intend to send another lot of jerseys over next year, and also hopes to collect second-hand playing boots to give to the Tobou club as well.
But the relationship between the two clubs may not be limited to donations of playing gear. When asked, Reardon said a visit to Papua New Guinea was a distinct possibility.
"Who knows, we could do a trip over there one day," Reardon said.
"Maybe that's something we could look at in the future when COVID's over, is we could raise a bit of money and do a trip to go over there and meet these guys face-to-face and have a game of footy. That could definitely be something we do."
Reardon added that the planned donations of playing boots do not have to come solely from rugby union players. Any studded boot will suffice, should members of the Goulburn sporting community have old pairs lying around.
For further information, please contact the Goulburn Rugby Union Club's Facebook page, or email info@goulburnrugbyunion.com.
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