Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart always wears his heart on his sleeve, but even he admits his passion and pride might be at an unrivalled level on Sunday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Raiders will wear a special jersey when they play the Sydney Roosters at Canberra Stadium this weekend to raise awareness and money for the Ricky Stuart Foundation.
Stuart met with the two children who designed the artwork on the jersey on Wednesday, inviting Max and Jayden to run on to the field with Raiders skipper Jarrod Croker.
"We're going to bash the Roosters," Max grinned when Stuart and Sia Soliola arrived at respite house in Chifley.
The Raiders will have extra motivation to win back to back games when they support a cause close to their hearts in the round 12 clash in the capital.
The jersey represents everything good about rugby league and the way coaches and players reach out to the community.
It's a welcome distraction from the controversial headlines which have plagued the NRL in recent weeks.
But Max and Jayden are just excited to see their drawing come to life after Canberra's major sponsor Huawei donated its front-of-jersey spot to make room for a picture of Ricky and Max and Jayden's Pokemon.
"I've really tried to create a good story here because there are a lot of people doing good things," Stuart said.
"There is so much negativity in rugby league that overshadows the positive contributions from players who help others and those helping people in need.
"You want to create that vibe and feeling of positivity for people in our community, and that's what the centre and foundation are about."
Stuart's daughter, Emma, has autism and the foundation was started to help autistic children and their families.
The foundation is set to start building a second respite centre next month to cater for children aged 13-18, with officials to announce its name at the Raiders game on Sunday.
"The foundation has had success quicker than what we thought it would. Being able to turn dirt at a second facility is a fabulous feeling knowing we'll be able to look after children aged 13-18," Stuart said.
The Raiders will wear this drawing on their jersey this weekend. Photo: Rohan Thomson
"We all have tough days at the office, but you turn up here at the centre and see the smiles on kids faces.
"That's very satisfying and worthwhile. I know the families and the kids get a lot out of it and given the opportunity we've got with Huawei offering the spot on the jersey, it helps the profile and awareness.
"It's something I'm very passionate about. I think it's great these kids get an opportunity like this because they miss out a lot of things, but I'm sure they'll be envied when they run out with Jarrod.
"This is what it's all about - creating a difference and creating something these kids can be smile about. That's why this jersey is special."
The Raiders are supporting the 'Autism Wellbeing' message while the jerseys will be auctioned after the game, with money going to the Ricky Stuart Foundation.
NRL ROUND 12
Sunday: Canberra Raiders v Sydney Roosters at Canberra Stadium, 4pm. Tickets available from Ticketek. The jerseys will be auctioned at allbids.com.au.
Raiders squad: 1. Jack Wighton, 2. Nick Cotric, 3. Jarrod Croker (c), 4. Joey Leilua, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Blake Austin, 7. Aidan Sezer, 8. Junior Paulo, 9. Josh Hodgson, 10. Shannon Boyd, 11. Joe Tapine, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Sia Soliola. Interchange: 14. Adam Clydsdale, 15. Luke Bateman, 16. Clay Priest, 17. Dunamis Lui. Reserves: 18. Dave Taylor, 19. Scott Sorensen, 20. Brent Naden, 21. Lachlan Croker.
Roosters squad: 1. Michael Gordon, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Latrell Mitchell, 4. Mitchell Aubusson, 5. Joseph Manu, 6. Connor Watson, 7. Luke Keary, 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 9. Jake Friend (c), 10. Kane Evans, 11. Ryan Matterson, 12. Siosiua Taukeiaho, 13. Zane Tetevano. Interchange: 14. Isaac Liu, 15. Lindsay Collins, 16. Chris Smith, 17. Mitchell Cornish. Reserves: 18. Nat Butcher, 19. Victor Radley, 20. Eloni Vunakece, 21. Brock Gray.
