The Boggabri Kangaroos might be one of the smaller clubs in Group 4 and country football but it has a big heart.
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Boggabri, a town of some 900 people, fielded three teams last season - first grade, second grade and ladies league tag.
During the season they staged the annual Boyde Campbell Cup day, where the first grade game between the Kangaroos and visiting Gunnedah Bulldogs celebrated the memory of the late Boyde Campbell, who played for both clubs.
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Campbell left behind two children, Arlie, 5, and Vann, 3, and his partner, Erin Seton.
He grew up as a Gunnedah junior but played two seasons with the Kangaroos before returning to Gunnedah for a final season, advised Kangaroos president Greg Haire.
A knee injury curtailed his career before his tragic passing. "He was very tough for his size," Haire recalled.
"He was very explosive and fast. We played him at lock and I think Gunnedah played him in the centres.
"He just loved being out there in the middle and loved running into the big blokes. He was great mates with Jayde Campbell and Blake McIlveen who led the two sides out with his boys when we played the Cup [last season]."
Gunnedah hosted the first Boyde Campbell Cup game in 2018 and the Bulldogs have prevailed both years. However, the clubs and the people they are supporting are the real winners.
Last year the Kangaroos hosted the Bulldogs in a big day at Jubilee Oval and then welcomed all and sundry to a magical night at the Boggabri RSL.
After the game, the auction at that RSL raised more than $12,000. All proceeds from the day and night totalled more than $21,000.
"The club decided to give 75 per cent of the money raised to Boyde's two sons, Arlie and Vann," Haire said. "That's $8,175 each, to be put into trust accounts for them," Haire said.
"The other 25 per cent goes to Beyond Blue - $5488. It was a great night at the RSL club. Everyone was so generous. We want to keep this tradition going."
The Bulldogs, who instigated the Boyde Campbell Cup, will host the game this season. "They are as much involved as we are," Haire said.
He added: "We haven't beaten them since reforming in 2013. Haven't beaten them since 1964."
The Kangaroos created history last season when they beat Dungowan at Dungowan for the first time, and they would love nothing better than to create some more history in 2020, especially if it involves their much bigger neighbour, Gunnedah.
