Crushers Receive Huge Donation From Rival Club

After the monumental rain and flooding that swept the Hinchinbrook Region, Herbert River Crushers Rugby League Football Club was severely damaged, but rival Brothers Rugby League Townsville announced a $10,000 donation to the Crushers to aid the rebuild of their facilities.

Brothers In Arms: Rival Club Donates $10,000

Despite boasting one of the fiercest on field rivalries of the past decade and a half, Brothers, through it’s rugby league club, Townsville Blackhawks and Brothers Leagues Club has stepped up to support their long-time adversaries during this time of crisis.

Heavy monsoonal rains swept through the region this month, leaving the Crushers’ clubhouse, training grounds, and equipment storage inundated with water. The floodwaters caused extensive damage, leaving the club struggling to rebuild in the wake of the disaster.

Crushers President Matt Chiesa said they lost approximately 80% of their belongings.

“It’s been a rough couple of weeks," he shared.

"Even when we thought the flooding was over the water came back up. We’ve lost a lot of gear, both the seniors and juniors, training gear, playing gear, the lot.”

Matt Chiesa heaped praise on Brothers President Jeff Doyle and his commitment to the Townsville rugby league community.  

“Since he came into the role a couple of years ago he has been great to deal with. This financial assistance is nothing short of inspirational and shows that everyone has a lot of mutual respect and care in the rugby league," he said.

Brothers Club President Jeff Doyle said rivalry aside, we are a rugby league community.

“What has happened to the whole Ingham region is heartbreaking, and we felt it was our duty to step up and help in any way we could. This donation is a gesture of goodwill and a recognition of the importance of a strong local rugby league competition, both seniors and juniors,” said Jeff Doyle.

Brothers Leagues Club CEO Justin Wilkins, said they hoped that the financial contribution will go directly toward repairing the damaged facilities, replacing lost equipment, and ensuring that the Crushers can continue to provide opportunities for players, staff, and supporters, especially immediately following the event.

This year marks the 30th year of the Herbert River Crushers and despite the set back, they have no plan to postpone, or delay their season. Matt Chiesa said they have lost a couple of weeks but are looking forward to starting up again soon.

President Matt Chiesa also added an interesting stat from the Crushers past.

“There's a couple of floods that have happened in the past, 09 and 2018, and they have won competitions with the flood event,” he said.

“Not so much this height but there is a good stat with a flood and going forward and winning the comp.”