Melbourne Storm Captain Cameron Smith joined Origin rival Paul Gallen and NRL CEO Dave Smith today to launch the league's RiseForAlex Round.
The opposing Origin captains stood side-by-side in Brisbane, announcing Round 19 as RiseForAlex Round with the entire rugby league community throwing their support behind the 22-year old.
Queensland and Melbourne Captain Smith said that Alex's road to recovery had been incredibly inspiring for so many.
Be there at AAMI Park in Round 18 when Storm take on the Bulldogs.
“Alex's achievement over the past few months shows his incredible courage and positivity," Smith said.
"I think we should applaud Alex’s strength by digging deep and supporting the Rise for Alex round.”
Storm host the Raiders on Saturday 19 July and will show support for the NRL initiative along with the other home teams in Round 19.
As part of the RiseForAlex round:
• The NRL will be donating one dollar to the RiseForAlex Fund for every Rugby League Fan who attends any match during Round 19.
• Fans can make donations by purchasing a RiseForAlex wristband that will be sold at all matches across the RiseForAlex Round (Round 19 & 20).
• Fans can also make donations online at www.riseforalex.org.au or by texting RiseForAlex to 0498 555 555.
• Channel Nine’s Footy Show will host a telethon during their broadcast on July 17, with the call centre open from 8:30pm AEST.
• Telstra will host the call centre with 150 Telstra volunteers and players from several clubs who will be assisting with answering calls during the night.
• The Daily Telegraph will donate one dollar from every newspaper sold on Saturday 19 June.
The NRL’s broadcast partners Fox Sports, 2GB and Triple M will also throw their support the round.
The RiseForAlex Fund has been established to provide ongoing financial and medical support to the Newcastle Knights’ forward.
The RiseForAlex Fund is independently managed by a board of directors to ensure ongoing support is provided to Alex now and into the future.
The Fund will look to provide support for accessible housing, a vehicle, a wheelchair, physiotherapy and rehabilitation assistance as well as ongoing medical assistance as required.
