Ex Players Association Showing True Rugby League Spirit

The Skirlaugh Ex Players Association recently had the opportunity to show its support to a young rugby league lad from Wigan who is currently facing an extremely difficult battle with his health.

Dan, who played his junior rugby with St Jude’s before progressing to St Pat’s, is living with a degenerative neurological illness which, at present, remains undiagnosed. His family continue to face challenging times, and this was simply a way of letting them know that the rugby league family is standing alongside them.

Founder of the Ex Players Association, Kev Stones, had been aware of Dan’s illness for some time through his friendship with Dan’s dad, Des Grogan. After forming the Ex Players Association, Kev arranged for one of the association’s spare polo shirts to be sent over to Dan as a gesture of solidarity and friendship.

When Ex Players Association Ambassador and current Warrington Wolves Assistant Coach Steve McNamara read about the plans in the Ex Players WhatsApp group, he immediately volunteered to personally deliver the shirt to the family in Wigan. Alongside the Skirlaugh Ex Players polo shirt, Steve also took a Warrington shirt and a Catalans Dragons training top.

Earlier this year, Steve spent several hours with Dan and his family, something that clearly meant a great deal to them all. Des told Kev how much it meant that the Ex Players Association had taken the time to think about a fellow rugby league family member during such a difficult period.

Dan, Des and the whole family have asked for their sincere thanks to be passed on to Steve and every single member of the Ex Players Association for the support and good wishes shown to them.

They also spoke warmly about Steve himself, describing him as an outstanding human being and thanking him for the time, kindness and compassion he showed during his visit.

Moments like this remind everyone what rugby league is really about — looking after one another and supporting each other when it matters most.

Kev Stones would also like to thank all the lads involved, adding that together the Ex Players Association is representing the club in exactly the right way.

Up the 🥕🥕