The club has donated $2000 to young footballer Raymond ‘Razor’ Murphy to help him with the cost of playing in the NSW team that will compete at the School Sport Australia Championships in Tasmania from July 27 to August 3.
The donation is just one of many made by the Roos, with the club having a focus on junior development.
The Rovers have showcased their passion for junior sports on multiple occasions, making donations to various school sporting teams and individuals throughout the years.
The club most notably has donated money to the Deniliquin South School’s footy side that won three Tony Lockett Shield NSW PSSA Aussie Rules competitions from 2016 to 2018.
Rovers committee member Craig McCulloch said it was important to give young sporting stars the support they need.
‘‘It can get pretty expensive when it comes to travel and accommodation for all these events, especially for the parents who want to watch their kids play at these carnivals,’’ he said.
‘‘We just want to help out wherever we can to make sure that young sporting stars are able to have the opportunity to play at the highest level.
‘‘We’ve donated $7000 to the South School over the last four years which has helped them with travel and accommodation for their Tony Lockett Shield finals in Sydney.
‘‘The club has always had a focus on junior development and we will continue to do so, as juniors are the lifeblood of any club.’’
Murphy’s footballing talent has been clear from a young age, with the onballer being the first player to win three club best and fairest trophies in fourths footy for the Rovers.
The 15 year-old also claimed the Picola League Under 14s best and fairest title after polling 50 out of a possible 54 votes last year.
The 2018 season brought many highlights for Murphy, making his senior debut in round one against Strathmerton and also kicking 121 goals for the year in the fourths before a broken leg ended his season before the preliminary finals.
Murphy has since returned to the field, playing for both the Roos thirds and seniors throughout the year.
He was selected in the NSW side after representing Riverina Murray at the NSW Combined High Schools Sports Association Secondary Australian Football Boys Championship at Sydney last month.
Riverina Murray went on to win the carnival, finishing the week undefeated.
‘‘The NSW carnival gave me the chance to play against the state’s best and was a great experience,’’ Murphy said.
‘‘Now I get to test myself against the country’s best Under 15 footballers.
‘‘I’m really looking forward to playing in Tassie and have always enjoyed playing at the highest level possible.
‘‘I can’t thank the Deni Rovers enough for their ongoing support; without the club I wouldn’t have been able to reach this goal.’’
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