THE Silverbacks – the team, run by Jonny Morgan and others such as Paul ‘Keka’ Ward, who raise significant sums for many charities – are anticipating a busy 2026, on and off the pitch, with two matches in particular on the near horizon.
The Silverbacks will meet a Sharks Legends side at Shaw Cross on Saturday, March 14 (noon) and the following month a truly famous name in amateur Rugby League will provide the opposition at an iconic venue.
The date for that fixture is Saturday, April 25, when former Queens players will reconvene at the revered Bus Vale ground in north Leeds for a match arranged on behalf of Charlotte Child, with the Steve Donohoe Trophy at stake.
Charlotte, who is a niece of former Queens forward Craig Wright, has been diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour and the Silverbacks have already raised more than £5,000 to help support her.
It is hoped that a number of former Leeds Rhinos and other Super League stars will be able to feature with the Silverbacks, while legendary forward Martin Richardson is among the Queens men who should be at something approaching full fitness, hopefully under conditioner Mickey Vann, who was of course a top boxing referee.
Richardson said: “As soon as Keka told me the situation regarding Charlotte I contacted former Queens players about playing this match.
“Almost 50 are already wanting to turn out. Player sponsorship, at £25 per man, is available, and we’re all buying our own kit, with that also going into the pot. We’re there to help, we always have been. It’s in our blood.”
Admission for the Queens versus Silverbacks game, which will be accompanied by stalls and food, will be £5 (under 16s free).
More games – and sponsored walks – will take place during the year.