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Auckland, New Zealand, October 09, 2009 – Entertainers, celebrities, the police and many others are turning out in force to back efforts to raise funds for the Samoan tsunami disaster relief effort in the New Zealand Rugby League’s benefit match at Mount Smart Stadium tomorrow (Saturday).

In the feature match, world record-holding former Kiwi captain Ruben Wiki (36) is coming out of retirement to play in Samoa’s colours in the clash between Toa Samoan Domestic (Samoan Residents) and New Zealand’s Bartercard Premiership Selection (3.30pm kick-off).

It will be the first time the part-Samoan Wiki has played for his mother’s homeland after a career that featured a world record 55 tests for the Kiwis. He’ll be the guest player – and 18th man in the squad – for a side otherwise made up entirely of players who are resident in Samoa. All have been affected in some way by the tsunami disaster.

Toa Samoa Domestic will face a local side comprising players who appeared in the just-completed Bartercard Premiership. Of the 18-man squad, 16 are from the Canterbury and Auckland sides that contested the grand final in Christchurch, a match Canterbury won 26-20.

Today (Friday) Canterbury’s Jonny Limmer, who’ll captain the Bartercard side, and the rest of the squad had the thrill of being presented with their match jerseys by 2009 Kiwi captain Benji Marshall. The Kiwis’ entire Four Nations squad was on hand for the ceremony.

Tomorrow’s curtain-raiser (2.30pm kick-off) is a women’s nine-a-side encounter between Fetu Samoa and an Auckland Invitational side captained by Kiwi Ferns captain Luisa Avaiiki.

Framed around the day will be all manner of entertainment after the gates open at 1.00pm. Starting at 1.30pm, the Pacific Music Awards Trust is providing performances from a line-up of artists including the Yandall Sisters, Lapi Mariner, Anonymouz, Natasha Urale, Cydel, Dei Hamo and For Da Grind. The package will offer a taste of what’s in store at upcoming tsunami benefit concerts.

Also providing assistance are the New Zealand Police with the supply of a mobile sound and stage set-up through ‘DJ Lenny’, a recruitment officer for the police.

While Wiki is coming back after a year on the sideline, the Mad Butcher also returns from retirement to man a barbecue. “Mate, if it’s good enough for Ruben, then it’s good enough for me”. Every dollar earned by the Mad Butcher’s barbecue efforts will go the appeal and will be matched dollar for dollar by a cash contribution to the appeal.

The effort also has support from the Auckland Regional Council. Chairman Mike Lee announced earlier this week that the ARC would be waiving all charges for the use of Mount Smart Stadium.

Tickets will be sold only at the gate tomorrow, $5 for adults, $2 for children aged 2-15, free entry for those under two and also free parking at the ground.

As well as the gate takings, there will be collection buckets around the ground. Together with contributions from the Butcher and Bartercard, it’s anticipated the day will generate a healthy donation to the tsunami disaster relief fund.

The NZRL’s effort is being organised in support of the Samoa Tsunami 2009 Appeal Charitable Trust.
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A year after retiring, rugby league legend and Ruben Wiki pulled the boots back on for a tsunami fundraiser.

The 36-year-old was the headline act for a Samoan Residents side that took on a Bartercard Premiership Selection at Auckland's Mt Smart, in a fundraiser for victims of the Samoan tsunami.

The ex-Warrior retained his big hitting ability but despite his best efforts, the New Zealand side won 52-14 over Toa Samoa.

The game, and Mad Butcher sausage sizzle, raised over $10,000 for the relief efforts.
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