Ola's guide to game day: The Great Vodafone Warriors Charity Day

He made a career out of steamrolling over opponents and now club legend Manu Vatuvei is going to showcase his gentler side on the field at halftime this Sunday when The Great Vodafone Warriors Charity Day rolls into town.

As the NRL Premiership resumes following the representative weekend, the Vodafone Warriors are set to take on the Penrith Panthers at Mount Smart Stadium (4.05pm kick-off).

The NRL Heritage Round match doubles as the club’s annual Great Vodafone Warriors Charity Day as fans and partners combine for the “game that makes a difference” to raise much-needed funds for Ronald McDonald House, Paralympics New Zealand, Le Va, KidsCan and Shine.

Adding real flair to the occasion, cult hero Vatuvei, fresh from his Dancing with the Stars triumph, will perform a dance at half-time with his fellow victor Loryn Reynolds. The dynamic duo have also generously agreed to donate a private dance lesson to the fundraising initiative.

And while Sunday’s game is all about supporting five wonderful charities, there are plenty of other reasons to get down to Mount Smart Stadium this weekend, above all watching Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and the boys go toe-to-toe with the Panthers.

Off the field, the Chemist Warehouse Community Fun Zone will be a hive of activity with the five charities helping add to the atmosphere. Look for the Baker’s Delight finger bun decorating station, thanks to KidsCan, or join the crew at Ronald McDonald House and build a fort.

When it comes to agility, our Paralympians have it in spades, which makes their agility test a fitting activation. Shine, meanwhile, will be running a tackle bag station while the team at Le Va is hosting a chill zone that will be well worth checking out. 

If you ever wanted to scribble on a car, this is also your chance. Look for the Mazda BT-50 in the Entertainment Precinct and write your message of support for the boys on it.

After they were such a smash hit at our last game, we’ve also invited the exceptional – or should we say, fabulous - Murray Brothers back for another musical performance. They’ll be on the iHeartRadio Sound Stage from 1.30pm. The boys can play a mean harmonica so make sure you check them out.

For the little Vodafone Warriors fans in your life, Sunday footy means family day. Keep a lookout for JP the Clown from 2pm or head up to the ring road above the North Bank where you’ll find carnival rides. They are free but in the spirit of the charity day, a gold coin donation is encouraged.

For the footy fanatics, this is also definitely the game to attend.

On the field we’ve got four exciting games of footy with the Junior Vodafone Warriors taking on the North Sydney Bears in the Jersey Flegg competition from 12pm before the men’s and women’s touch teams square off against the Parramatta Eels from 2:03pm.

And then there’s the NRL clash between the Vodafone Warriors and Penrith, and it’s not one to miss. Fresh from an Origin win in Perth, New South Wales playmaker James Maloney will be rolling into his old stomping ground and hoping to take the two points for Penrith.

With both teams fighting hard for a spot in the top eight, expect an explosive contest.

Back to the Entertainment Precinct, we will be holding a silent auction where fans can bid on exclusive memorabilia like club legend Simon Mannering’s signed boots. All proceeds will go to the fundraising total and anyone who places a bid will also go in the draw to win great prizes from our partners.

Last year, Vodafone Warriors supporters helped raise over $70,000 for charity on this game day and this year we are looking to go even bigger.

In order to do that, we’ll be hoping the ambassadors from our five charities have been practising their kicking.

At half-time of the NRL game, five individuals, selected by our charities, will be invited onto the field where they’ll have one shot at kicking a Steeden into the back of a Mazda BT-50. Each successful kick will see an additional $10,000 go into the fundraising pot.

With plenty to see and do this Sunday, get your tickets today and make sure you’re in the stands for “the game that makes a difference”.

To find out how you can contribute to this great cause, click here.