Back in the olden days Rugby League came in for a fair bit of unfair criticism because of its image as a northern working class sport.
We all whinged - and rightly too - when 'outsiders' suggested we were all flat-capped whippet walkers.
Fortunately, we've moved on. The players lead the way when it comes to athleticism and professional attitude. It has helped to attract sponsors which better reflect the sport and its following.
Danny McGuire: gets involved at the Hawthorn Centre
Engage, the Super League's major sponsor, shares the same family values. Every week they give away £200 to the man of the match on televised Super League games.
Half goes to the RL Benevolent Fund. The other half goes to the player's choice of charity. In 2008, £12,000 was given away.
This week, I went along to see where £100 of that money went. When Danny McGuire was named the man of the match in Leeds' game against Hull KR this year, he named Leeds Mencap as the beneficiary.
When Danny McGuire was named the man of the match in Leeds' game against Hull KR this year, he named Leeds Mencap as the beneficiary.
Angela Powers
Quotes of the week
"I grew up round here," he says. "I used to kick a ball on the park just opposite, and when Challenge Anneka television programme came to renovate the centre years ago, me and my mates would climb up and watch what was going on. Kids getting in the way!"
Exposure
For him, charity begins at home. Watching him play with the children at the Hawthorn Centre, it was clear this cause is truly one close to his heart.
Good causes that have benefited from the man of the match prize include Marie Curie Cancer Care, The Brennan Rooney Fund, The West Yorkshire Forget-Me-Not Trust and Wigan and Leigh Hospice.
Not only do they get the donation, but also the exposure on national television - a mention by a league star that helps raise their profiles and hopefully lead to more support.
Danny will be giving his all for Leeds against St Helens as he always does... and hopefully do well enough to earn a little more cash for the kids at the Hawthorn Centre in Leeds.
They'll no doubt be cheering him all the way.
Does your local side get involved with good causes? Let us know the charitable acts going on in the world of rugby league and we'll share them with everyone. Fill in the feedback form below...
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