Auckland, New Zealand March 18, 2011 – With the Legends of League Charity match having already raised close to $150,000 for the Christchurch Earthquake appeal, New Zealand Rugby League is pleased to announce a further fundraising effort has been launched today.

Players from the Legends match donated their signed playing jerseys to the NZRL and a number of these have been loaded to Trade Me to be auctioned. The jerseys include those worn by Kiwis Richie Barnett, Sean Hoppe, Olsen Filipaina, Tawera Nikau and one of the games organisers and past Kiwi captain, Gary Freeman – all of whom were members of the ‘Black team’.

‘Red team’ jerseys up for auction include those belonging to David Peachey, Hazem El Masri, Nathan Blacklock and captain for the night, Ben Elias.

In addition to these, Kiwi international Craig Smiths number 11 ‘Red team’ jersey and the jersey worn by Mark Bosnich, Australian international football (soccer) star are listed for sale.

Other items being auctioned include; signed boots worn by Kurt Sorensen on the night, a referee’s jersey signed by all the match officials from the game, including Henry Perenara, past Kiwi and now NRL referee.

This is a unique opportunity for people to buy items from the game and opening bids have already been placed.

Jim Doyle, NZRL Chief Executive said “It was great to see everybody come together to support Christchurch and raise so much money.

“We know the demand for these jerseys is high; we have been receiving calls about them this week. There are some very passionate collectors out there and these special items are being auctioned for a really good cause so I expect people to bid strongly.”

Keen collectors of rugby league memorabilia have until next weekend to secure their piece of history and if the bidding for the places on the teams is anything to go by, competition for some of these jerseys could be fierce.

The link to the auction is http://trade.me/legendsofleague.

All money raised will go to the League 4 Life charity and more information about this is available here www.nzrl.co.nz/league-4-life.

ENDS

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