THE local sporting community is expected to be out in force this Saturday night with the Men Of League Western Region hosting the Thompson Family Education Trust Dinner at the Dubbo RSL Memorial Club.
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The event has been organised to raise money towards the education of the three children of former Western Division rugby league player Chris Thompson, who passed away in October following a car accident.
Former Wests Tigers captain John Skandalis, who led the Tigers to a premiership in 2005, will be the special guest speaker while rugby league clubs from across the western region have donated items for auction.
On top of local sporting items some of the bigger merchandise up for grabs includes an Australian rugby league jersey signed by the recent Four Nations squad as well as a Parramatta signed jersey featuring names like Mick Cronin and a signed St George Dragons print with the signatures of the club's Immortals; Reg Gasnier, Greame Langlands and John Raper.
"The real focus of the night is the three young kids and ensuring their future and any cause like this there's always people who are more than willing to help out," Western Region Men of League president Martin Cook said.
"There's some great auction items and I think it will be a great night while supporting something sad."
The tragic passing of Thompson rocked the local rugby league community but people have come from all over to support the upcoming night and Cook said Skandalis' appearance is the final piece.
"It was the only thing lacking, the tickets have sold really well and we've had fantastic donations for the auction so all we needed was a special guest but then John came along and that's great and a big thanks goes to Rod Reddy and Warren McDonald for helping make it happen," he said.
"Having John Skandalis is a good coup, he's got a really good record as the first try-scorer for the Wests Tigers and the oldest player to play for the club, he had plenty of first grade experience and obviously the highlight was the 2005 premiership win."
Thompson was passionate about quality education for his three children, Alaqua, Mataeo and Chandon, and Cook said a situation like this was exactly what the Men of League Foundation was set up for.
"The Men of League's motto is to support the men, women and children of the rugby league family," he said. "Not just current players or old retired players, anyone that has involvement in the game."
Tickets have sold quickly but there are still some available from Dubbo RSL Club. The dinner starts from 6.30pm on Saturday night.