Warriors and Rams Battle for Brad Hardy Memorial Cup

When the West Belconnen Warriors and Woden Valley Rams do battle on Sunday afternoon it will be more than a game of Rugby League with the sides looking to take home the Brad Hardy Memorial Cup.

Established in 2021 after the tragic passing of Brad Hardy, every regular season matchup between West Belconnen and Woden Valley is for the Memorial Cup with the team’s raising money and awareness for the Brad Hardy foundation.

A foundation which works to providing practical tools, education and early intervention programs, to ensure that Australian Federal Police officers build resilience, manage stress and prevent post-traumatic stress disorder.

Through this the foundation is dedicated to ensuring that every officer feels supported, valued and equipped to cope with the demands of their profession.

The Hardy family have been involved with the Warriors and Rams, with Brad a local junior of the Warriors, whilst Father Cameron coached both clubs at a junior level.

Sunday’s Round Two match provides both clubs with an opportunity to pause and commemorate the life of Brad and come together in a moment that is bigger than Rugby League, highlighted by the sentiments of Warriors Club President Paul Callaway.

“It’s above rugby league, it’s about life and sadly the loss of life,” Callaway said.

“When you lose someone like Brad it’s a lot bigger than Rugby League, but it’s good to see that two team can come together and celebrate the life of a young fella that was a part of both clubs.”

“It’s a cup that we look forward to playing for every year because a lot of people involved in the club have known Cam [and the Hardy family] for a very long time, but it’s a tradition we carry and a feel-good moment for Rugby League.”

Whilst for Woden Valley, this weekend provides the club with an opportunity to extend their arms around the Hardy family, which over the years have become a major part of the Rams family.

We throw around the Rams family tag often and it’s something that we do live by, and the Hardy family are a part of that,” Rams chairman Steve Hicks said.

“I always have said anyone that has contributed to the Rams over the years in any way is part of the Rams family and the Hardy family have contributed to the Rams hugely.”

The feeling is not lost on the players who will run out on Sunday afternoon either, with players on either side understanding the significance of the occasion.

“It always is special, I’ve been lucky enough to coach a little bit with Cam [Brad’s father] and just by getting close with him you hear stories about Brad,” Rams outside back Tom Scriviner said.

“It’s always a tight battle between us two, but the cup makes it extra special to it for Cam [and the Hardy] family as well.”

“Brad was a junior at Westies and was the same age as me growing up, it’s going to be a massive day out there, I think they are selling raffle tickets and going to be doing some things throughout the day which will be really good,” West Belconnen Warriors club captain Brandon Withers said.

The Canberra Region Rugby League looks forward to celebrating the life of Brad Hardy with both clubs this Sunday afternoon with the Match of the Round coverage and for those in attendance there will be raffle tickets available through the West Belconnen Warriors.

For those wishing to donate and for more information about the Brad Hardy foundation, click here.