Bulldogs return to Papua New Guinea

Local school children in Papua New Guinea were recently treated to a visit from the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs as part of their ‘Bulldogs in the Community’ program.

Bulldogs representatives included recently retired winger Steve Turner, and NRL players Mitch Brown and Tim Browne. A number of up and coming stars like Lachlan Burr, Harlan Alaalotoa and Adam Elliott as well as a number of Canterbury and Bulldogs administrative staff also flew over for the week-long trip.

After a rewarding trip last year, Canterbury was proud to partner with the Bulldogs again by donating $15,000 and sending three Canterbury staff. This donation went towards funding the trip with the goal of promoting rugby league and providing support in Papua New Guinea.

“It is great to support the Bulldogs in the Community program and to help underprivileged kids and the Kavieng community. It is also an opportunity for the players and staff to experience life in another country and build their leadership qualities,” said Dr George Peponis OAM, Chairman of Canterbury League Club.

Bulldogs players and staff visited 14 schools in total. School visits included footy clinics for many children in the area who are passionate rugby league supporters, as well as the players talking to the children about the importance of getting a good education and following their dreams. Showing they are also handy with a hammer and saw, the team also helped with the construction of a new classroom at Nehemiah Christian School.

Everyone involved in the visit enjoyed the trip immensely. The smiles on the children’s faces said it all.  “I get a lot of enjoyment out of seeing others happy and enjoying themselves,” said Winger Mitch Brown.