ALBURY Thunder will throw its weight behind injured Albury Tiger James McQuillan at its grand final rematch at Greenfield Park on Saturday.
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McQuillan remains in the spinal unit at the Austin Hospital where he is being treated for injuries sustained in the round one clash with Yarrawonga.
The Thunder has already promised $500 to the James McQuillan Future Fund but will also open its gates to Tiger players to rattle tins during the blockbuster season opener against Gundagai which starts their quest for a three-peat.
Anyone wearing a Tigers polo shirt will be admitted free to the ground.
Centre Mitch Seaton will also wear yellow and black laces this season, with money to be raised each time he crosses the tryline.
Thunder spokesman Mike Eden said it was a chance to join forces for a common cause.
“We play different codes but we all know each other,” he said.
“We believe we are a one-team town and along with the Steamers and Tigers represent Albury.
“For a number of years we have been looking for an opportunity to work together, unfortunately it is a tragic set of circumstances that has brought us together this week.
“So we’ll open the gates to Tiger players and at half-time they will put out a blanket to take donations.”
Seaton is targeting a 20-try year to back up his fund-raising.
“I spent the off-season training with the Tigers and doing a bit of extra running and when it happened it moved everyone,” he said.
“So being connected with both clubs I thought I should try to do my bit to raise some money.
“It was very moving at the game when no-one really knew what was happening and then most people were in shock when they finally found out — it was a bit surreal.
“The last time I did this it was for breast cancer and I scored 22 tries — I hope I can repeat that this year for James.”