Canterbury-Bankstown backrower Adam Elliott will play in honour of his hometown Tathra on Friday night.
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Elliott told NRL.com that his family home was one of the lucky ones spared by Sunday’s bushfire, as was the home of his grandparents a few hundred metres away.
"I know how proud people are in that town of me and it's probably the biggest achievement of my life, knowing how proud they are every time I run out onto the field," Elliott told NRL.com.
"I think about it every single game I play, how that place made me who I am and I wouldn't be in this position if it wasn't for Tathra, so I'll be thinking about that just that little bit extra.
"A part of me is going to be playing for the town on Friday, but it would be selfish to say I'm taking it on myself to play for the town, it's a much bigger thing than that.
The Bulldogs are all too aware of Elliott’s fierce love for his small hometown community, even allowing him a special pass to play in last year’s City v Country origin despite coach Des Hasler ruling out players from the club contesting the feature.
The club said Elliott would be wearing messages of support on his wrist tape against the Panthers.
"If I can just put a smile on someone's face who is going through absolute hell at the moment, that's the smallest and simplest way I can try and help people."
In a show of solidarity with the area, both the Bulldogs and NRL are looking at fundraising options, while the CRL have already thrown support behind the town (see page 29).
Group 16 has become widely recognised as a massive contributor to the national draw, with Dale Finucane, Euan Aitken and rising Titans star Morgan Boyle all hailing from neighbouring towns.
Elliott said he knew the same support he had received to launch an NRL career would galvanise the community to rebuild.
"I know from growing up there, the town was selling raffle tickets for people making rep teams," the 23-year-old said.
"For me that was rugby league and cricket and I'd be sitting out the front of the newsagents to fund trips away and the town would always get behind that.
"The support I get from that place is unbelievable, every single game I play I get people messaging me and that's the sort of town that it is. It's a tragic time and people are really suffering but I have faith that people are going to be looking after each and making sure our neighbours and loved ones are alright.
"It's a very emotional and sad time. We're very grateful that no one's been hurt and that the fires are under a bit more control now.
"We are a strong community and I know everyone will pull together."
The Bulldogs will face the Penrith Panthers at ANZ Stadium from 6pm on Friday night. Unfortunately, the match will not be televised on free to air TV channels.