Blueheelers Make History as First Rugby League Club to Join the Terry Socks it to Cancer Fundraiser
After five successful years rallying support within the AFL community, Terry Socks it to Cancer has officially broken new ground—thanks to the determination of Kurt Longford.
Kurt Longford, a passionate player and club leader with the Deniliquin Blueheelers Rugby League Football Club, reached out with a clear message: rugby league clubs can also play a powerful role in supporting locals affected by cancer.
Kurt, feeling inspired what his good friend Daniel Maher was doing for his community, jumped on the opportunity to make the Blueheelers the first rugby league team to join the Terry Socks it to Cancer fundraising campaign.
Not only did the Blueheelers proudly wear Terry’s iconic green socks, but they also marked their return to the field with their first official game in 48 years—a historic moment for the club and the Deniliquin community. The revival of the team and their involvement in the fundraiser earned Kurt the 2024 Battler of the Year Award, curtesy of the Battlers for Bush Footy, a tribute to his tireless efforts to bring rugby league back to life in Deniliquin, although Kurt is originally from Narrandera.
While the Blueheelers didn’t come away with the win on the scoreboard, Kurt said the real victory was the community spirit and support shown on the day.
“The score didn’t matter—it was about coming together for a cause that touches everyone,” Kurt said. “If you want something to happen and you’re passionate about it, hard work gets results.”
Looking ahead, Kurt hopes to inspire more rugby league clubs to get involved in the fundraiser and is already working on new ideas to raise awareness and funds.
Andrew Mackinlay, Trust Fund Manager, praised Kurt’s dedication: “Rebuilding a club from the ground up is no easy task, especially when players are travelling over 300km just to play. Kurt’s passion is remarkable, and if the success of the Western Riverina Community Cup (sponsored by Proten) is anything to go by, we can’t wait to see what he has planned for 2026.”
From all of us at the Trust Fund, Congratulations to the Blueheelers for scoring your first try in 48 years—and for proving that when sport and community unite, the results are powerful.
