The legendary John Peard was in town to support the group’s fund-raising efforts on Sunday.

The former Australian Test, Eastern Suburbs, St George and Parramatta five-eight is famous for refining the up-and-under kick later dubbed the “bomb”.

As a MOL foundation member, number six on the roll, Peard has seen the organisation grow from humble beginnings in 2002 to a membership base today of more than 26,000.

It was a debilitating stroke that same year which put the foundation’s cause – to support members of the rugby league community who have fallen on tough times – into perspective for Peard.

He spent months in hospital and many more undergoing rehabilitation, including a trip to the United States for ground-breaking stroke treatment.

None of it, he said, would have been possible without the backing of MOL.

“It’s an extension of the game,” Peard said.

EARLIER STORY: "Men of League to host charity golf day in Gunnedah"

MOL’s north west committee treasurer, Peter Haley, rated last weekend’s golf day and auction fund-raiser as “extremely successful”.

“It blew us away.... exceeded expectations,” he said.

“It will help boost our fund-raising efforts and maintain financial support for those doing it tough.”

The exact total raised is yet to be finalised but is expected to be significant.

What’s more, the group roused a few new MOL memberships from the event and touched base with long-lost mates for who it’s been a long time between drinks.

“It was great rekindling those old friendships,” Haley said.

More must be done for rugby league in the bush, former Australian Test representative John Peard said.

The ex-international was in Gunnedah on Sunday to support the Men of League Foundation charity golf day.

He said much had changed since his playing era (1966-79), some for the better but some for the worse.

“The pace of the game is certainly a lot quicker,” Peard told the Namoi Valley Independent.

“But I’m concerned about the grassroots.

“Unless the ARL address that, we could be in trouble.”

He also thought the way the game is markets itself had to change to remain competitive with rival codes like Aussie rules and soccer.

“We need to promote the game more,” he said.

For more info on MOL, visit menofleague.com