Steve Dabliz, Taylan May and Cabramatta Leagues

Cabramatta Leagues Team Steps Up For The Homeless

I am so proud of the young people in my circle.

I am currently co-trainer of the Cabramatta Leagues Club Under 19s Division 1 and I also run their outreach program, where I organise activities which give these fine young men and women the opportunity to support disadvantaged members of our community.

These programs, along with the values that our kids learn from their parents and at school, play an important role in developing the next generation of adults, including tomorrow’s community leaders.

Last Saturday, 13 of our squad of 20+ players accompanied me, our coach Abdul Nabhan and my co-trainer Najib Abdul Bassit to The Culinary School in Punchbowl (the remaining players were unable to attend owing to work and family commitments).

Our head coach Abdul Nabhan was on board from the start, immediately recognising the merit of such an initiative, as soon as I raised it with him.

My good friend, exciting Penrith Panthers outside back and Samoan International Taylan May, is a keen supporter of my charity work and when I told him that I would be taking my team to The Culinary School and why, he jumped at the chance to join in, meet the players and assist with what we were doing.

Our task over few hours was to help prepare and cook over 130+ warm meals and 130 deserts for well known charitable organisation Brothers In Need, which among its many initiatives runs a Soup Kitchen where regular volunteers combine with other members of the community (in this case, the Cabramatta Leagues Club Under 19s) to cook hot, nutritional meals for less fortunate members of the community including the homeless. 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Not only did Taylan prove to be a big asset in the kitchen but he was a huge hit with our players.

He is a very gifted athlete, having scored a formidable 17 tries in 30 games for NRL juggernaut the Panthers and an incredible six tries in just five appearances for Samoa.

All this, even though he is only 22 years of age and has experienced some serious and at times frustrating  injury setbacks.

Saturday’s visit to the Culinary School was also quite a humbling experience for our players and I’m sure it will prove to be a great character builder for them.

A lot of kids quit rugby league when they turn 19 but most of those who continue have aspirations to play at NRL level so this was a great opportunity for them to meet an extremely talented NRL player like Taylan May, who has already excelled at international level in spite of his still tender age.

Our thanks goes to Brothers In Need founder Dean Mousad and The Culinary School’s owner Bashar Krayem for their collaboration with me in this project.

A special mention also to head chef Mina who was very helpful and very professional

You should be proud of her, Bash!

And finally to Taylan May – thank you for giving up your time to join us on Saturday.
Your presence and willingness to share your stories have left a lasting impression on the players. 
We are grateful for your generosity and your time….and for helping us to help make a difference!

Steve Dabliz