And, as the owner of the Murrumbateman Country Inn Mr Laird is doing everything he can to make that a reality, hosting a Sportsmans Dinner at his pub tomorrow night.

The event, which will feature rugby league greats Brett Kenny and Peter Tunks, will kick off at 6.30pm and Mr Laird said it’s something he’s been excited about for a while.

“Basically the organisers contacted me and asked if we’d want to do it and I thought it would be a great way to get some funds together for junior sport in Murrumbateman,” he said.

The Murrumbateman Recreation Grounds are due for an upgrade, with $500,000 promised to it by Pru Goward during her election campaign.

“We aren’t providing money for an upgrade, what we are doing is raising money for things like jerseys, equipment, balls and goal posts.

“Once junior sport gets underway we’ll step aside.”

The Hotel has already raised in excess of $10,000 for the cause and Manager Andrew McLean said this particular cause is important because it will bring people together.

“I think if people are taking their kids to sport it will bring a sense of community to the village and … people will be down at the grounds socialising and having a good time, and that’s what it is all about.”

Mr Laird said it was also important to show that the Murrumbateman Hotel is all about improving the Murrumbateman community.

“To have people know the pub is behind it is a good thing and I think in many ways too many people are strangers around here.

“We want to show that we support the idea of people coming together and being part of something. Sport has that ability to tie people together.”

Kenny and Tunks, who have more than 450 first grade appearances between them, will speak about their careers in rugby league, including their exploits at origin and international level. They’ll also speak about what life has been like since they retired.

Tickets to the event are $45, which includes dinner and the show. For catering purposes, Mr Laird has implored anyone interested to RSVP by tonight at the latest.

“It’d be ideal if we could get people to come and get their tickets as well,” he said.

“Basically it’s just going to be a fun, social night and all for a good cause which is a bonus.”