Bulldogs brave the ice bath freeze to raise funds for motor neurone disease

THE Gunnedah Bulldogs rallied behind the fight against motor neurone disease, raising funds through an ice bucket style fundraiser before first grade ran away with a 42-14 win over the Dungowan Cowboys.

The fundraiser was held as part of a packed day at the Bulldogs Group 4 rugby league clash, which also incorporated Ladies Day and Indigenous Jersey Round.

Coaches and players were dunked with buckets of ice as part of the fundraising efforts.

The fundraiser came after NRL player Jai Arrow announced his MND diagnosis earlier this year, bringing further attention to the disease across the rugby league community.

Bulldogs president David McCann said the club had received strong support from players, supporters and both teams involved in the day.

The Bulldogs had a convincing 42-14 win over the Cowboys in first grade. Photo: Phillipa Henry.

“They sold a lot of merchandise and got quite a few donations in the buckets,” McCann said.

“It also added a bit more entertainment, and both clubs really got behind it.”

The day proved just as successful on the field, with Gunnedah’s first-grade side producing what McCann described as possibly its best performance of the season.

The Bulldogs scored six tries to one in the second half with centres Kurt Fisher and Sunia Naruma scoring two each as the team claimed its fourth consecutive win.

“The first half was a real grind, where it was only two points at half-time,” McCann said.

Players were also part of the ice bath challenge as part of the MND fundraiser. Photo: Phillipa Henry.

“But they stuck to it, and I think towards the end of the game it paid dividends by doing that hard work through the middle and gradually wearing them down.”

The Bulldogs’ other senior sides also produced strong results, with the women’s first-grade team claiming victory, while reserve grade went down to a field goal in the final seconds.

The under-18s also competed strongly against the ladder-leading Cowboys.

The Bulldogs will now have a week off before returning to the field for two away games, followed by a home game against Werris Creek on Saturday 15 August.

The final-round clash with Werris Creek will also feature the club’s Old Boys Day and Sponsors Day.

The Bulldogs have now won four straight games in the Group 4 first grade rugby league competition. Photo: Phillipa Henry.

McCann said the timing of the break was not ideal given the Bulldogs’ recent form, but the club would be looking to maintain its momentum when it returns.

The Bulldogs are also beginning to benefit from a healthier playing squad, with players returning from injury or suspension.

Fullback Jared Heinrich has returned through reserve grade, while another player will be available after serving a two-week suspension.

“It’s probably not ideal to have a week off now,” McCann said.

“There’s blokes that are having to play reserve grade that probably would normally play first grade.”