They may be rivals this Saturday night but, before all the action takes place on the field this weekend, Parramatta and Cronulla will join forces in a very special fundraising event.
The Johnny Mannah Walk 4 Lymphoma will get underway this Thursday, March 17 and aims to raise much-needed funds for Lymphoma Australia, an organisation which strives to find a cure for the disease that took NRL star Johnny Mannah’s life in 2013 at just 23.
The 35km trek will kick-off at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta and end at PointsBet Stadium, the home of the Sharks.
The Johnny Mannah Walk for Lymphoma is the initiative of Sharks CEO Dino Mezzatesta, who will be joined by Johnny’s brother and former Eel Tim Mannah on the day as well as celebrities and former players including Paul Gallen, Luke Lewis, Ben Ross and Jeremy Latimore.
Lymphoma Australia will also walk alongside Mannah’s two NRL clubs in his memory, accompanied by a team of supporters from Lymphoma Australia including nurses and patients.
By raising funds and awareness for Lymphoma Australia, the goal of the event is to allow the charity to appoint Australia’s first adolescent and young adult nurse for young Lymphoma patients.
CommBank and PointsBet have already made considerable contributions in support of the walk, with all donations – big or small – welcomed and encouraged.
“I wanted our club to create an event that could really make a difference and between the Sharks and Eels, myself and Tim, I really believe this Johnny Mannah Walk can achieve that,” Mezzatesta said.
“It will be a long way from Parramatta to the Shire but with support from some of our partners and fans of both clubs, we hope to hand over a sizable donation on Saturday night when the Eels come to PointsBet to play the Sharks.
“Johnny meant a lot to both clubs, he was taken from us far too soon, and this is another way for us to honour his legacy.”
The two clubs also compete for the coveted Johnny Mannah Cup on an annual basis, with the Eels currently holding the trophy after winning the contest last year.
To donate to the cause, visit johnnymannahwalk.com.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.