Many of the representatives from each of the 23 participating teams where on hand this past Friday afternoon at the Imperial Hotel, Singleton for the official competition pools draw of the A-Plus Contracting Hunter Valley Mining Charity Rugby League Day.

Given the popularity of the event the pools structure has had to take on a alternative structure in 2019 with Pools A & B comprising of 6 teams, Pool C of 5 teams and Pool D of 4 teams. The uneven number of team in Pool C will see two teams (Mount Pleasant Phoenix & HV United Cobras) play three games due uneven numbers. This will also mean that the three remaining teams will be provided 1 additional point to make it equitable. It is worth noting that point differences played consider role in deciding pool winners in 2018.

We are also excited to have the additional of our 'Women in Mining Series' which will see the Hunter Hawkettes and Valley Vixens battle it out during a best of 3 series.

Coal miners throughout the Hunter Valley and beyond have begun training in preparation for this year’s A-Plus Contracting Hunter Valley Mining Charity Rugby League Day in support of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
 
Each year the event continues to grow in popularity and this year a record 400 coal mining employees will make up the 23 teams that will represent their respective mines and compete in the rugby league competition at Singleton’s Pirtek Park on October 19.
 
This year, several new teams will be joining men’s competition with teams even travelling from Lake Macquarie, Mudgee and Narrabri. As well as the much-anticipated “Women of Mining Series” which will see 30 of the regions female miners hit it out in a best of three series.
 
Last year the day raised $85,000 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service with a record breaking number of spectators attending and all signs point to another successful event this year. Event Organiser and the Service’s Community Liaison Officer, Danny Eather believes that this year’s competition is shaping up to be the best so far.
 
“With the addition of the new teams to the event from mine site both in the Hunter Valley and beyond, there is a lot of interest in what the new teams will bring to the day’s games. Equally it reinforces the importance that the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service has in providing vital lifesaving assistance in the regional communities” said Mr. Eather.
 
“As a Service, we are extremely grateful for the continued support we receive from our local mining community, who ensure that the Rescue Helicopter can continue to fly 24-7, especially when we average over 1,500 mission yearly throughout Northern NSW from our three bases in Newcastle, Tamworth and Lismore.” He added.
 
In the meantime, representatives from all teams with gather at the Imperial Hotel, Singleton next Friday (Sept 27) for a team briefing and draw the all-important team pools for the day’s competition draw.
 
About the event:
The A-Plus Contracting Hunter Valley Mining Charity Rugby League Day is an annual fundraising event for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. The event will take place at Pirtek Park, Singleton on Saturday 19th October with the first game kicking off at 8.30am. Thank you to event partners A-Plus Contracting, Jennings Print, Mine Super, Pirtek, Slater & Gordon, Tyre Doctor, Aletek, NSW Mining, Mader NSW, Yancoal Mount Thorley Warkworth, Bowers Heavy Haulage, Coal Services, Hunter Isuzu, Hunter Valley Operations, Oiltest and At The Coalface.