RAYMOND Terrace Magpies Rugby League Club will honour decorated stalwart Darren Edmonds at the club’s annual Old Boys Day this Saturday at Lakeside Sporting Complex.
Players, officials and supporters have rallied behind the legendary Magpies forward affectionately known as “Edo” as he continues to fight a brave battle with cancer.
In a show of true Magpies spirit, the club has organised a fundraising drive to support him with his ongoing treatment.
Edo, a cherished member of the Magpies family, was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in late 2023 and through sheer courage and determination fought his way into remission by last August.
But life threw another curveball when scans earlier this year revealed tumours on his spine and lymph nodes along with lesions on his brain.
He has faced each challenge and intensive chemotherapy with an unshakeable spirit, sense of humour and true grit.
Old Boys Day is an opportunity for the Port Stephens rugby league fraternity to band together and stand beside this much loved character.
A highlight will be the top of the table clash between Raymond Terrace and reigning premiers Waratah-Mayfield in the Newcastle Hunter Rugby League Men’s A Grade competition at 3.30pm.
The Magpies tuned up for the big clash by thumping Dora Creek Swampies 28-0 last Friday at Lakeside while the in-form Cheetahs posted a 42-10 win over Lakes United Seagulls at Mallabula Sporting Complex.
Waratah Mayfield have won 12 of their 13 fixtures this season and lead the minor premiership race on 24 points – six ahead of second ranked Raymond Terrace who are the only club to defeat the Cheetahs in 2025.
The Magpies showed their premiership credentials when they registered a 24-4 victory over the Cheetahs last month at Waratah Oval and are bent on repeating the feat this weekend on home soil.
Dashing fullback Tom Reynolds grabbed a try double for Raymond Terrace in the win over Dora Creek with interchange players Jack Beverley and Jacob Tatupu and gun five-eighth Kyle Handford also nabbing four pointers, and Handford booting four conversions.
Another Magpies victory will shave the Cheetahs lead to four points and have the hosts brimming with confidence in the lead into the Men’s A Grade finals series.
By Chris KARAS
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