๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ผ๐: ๐๐๐ก๐จ ๐พ๐๐ฅ๐ฉ๐๐๐ฃ ๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ ๐๐ค๐จ๐๐จ ๐พ๐ง๐๐๐ฉ๐๐จ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐จ๐ค๐ฃ ๐๐๐๐ค๐ก๐๐ง๐จ๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐ช๐ฃ๐_ ๐ ๐ฌ๐๐ฃ๐ฉ ๐๐ค๐จ ๐ก๐๐๐๐๐ฎ ๐ฉ๐ค ๐จ๐๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ค๐ง ๐๐ช๐ฉ๐ช๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐ง๐๐ฉ๐๐ค๐ฃ๐จ, While the news of Mike Jackson’s passing still deeply shook the NRL community, the Parramatta Else and National Team Captain, Mitch Moses, moved millions of hearts with a heartfelt statement
UNBELIEVABLE: Mitch Moses Creates the Mike Jackson Scholarship Fund โ โI want his legacy to shine for future generationsโ
The rugby league world is no stranger to moments of heartbreak, but few have resonated as deeply as the recent passing of Mike Jackson, a figure who left a lasting mark on teammates, fans, and the wider NRL community. Known for his infectious personality, relentless work ethic, and unwavering dedication to the game, Jacksonโs death came as a shock that rippled through locker rooms, stadiums, and households across Australia.
While grief continues to linger, the rugby league family has found solace and inspiration in the actions of Mitch Moses, captain of both the Parramatta Eels and the Australian National Team. In a deeply emotional announcement, Moses revealed the creation of the Mike Jackson Scholarship Fund, a program designed to ensure that Jacksonโs legacy will not only live on in memory but also actively shape the future of young athletes.
A Heartfelt Tribute
Speaking at a press conference at CommBank Stadium, Moses could barely hold back his emotions as he paid tribute to his late friend and colleague.
โMike wasnโt just a teammate; he was a brother to all of us. He made people laugh, he inspired us, and he played every game as if it were his last. When I thought about how to honour him, I knew it had to be something bigger than words. The scholarship fund is my way of making sure his legacy shines for future generations.โ
The announcement was met with a standing ovation from those present, including family members, fellow players, club officials, and fans who had gathered to honour Jacksonโs memory.
The Scholarship Fund
The Mike Jackson Scholarship Fund will serve as a beacon of opportunity for aspiring rugby league players who face financial or personal barriers. Managed by a dedicated committee of former players, educators, and community leaders, the fund will provide:
Annual Scholarships covering training costs, equipment, and education support.
Mentorship Programs pairing recipients with professional players for guidance on and off the field.
Community Initiatives to promote mental health awareness and resilience, two issues that Jackson was passionate about supporting.
The fundโs inaugural class will be selected in early 2026, with the first recipients being announced during the NRL season launch.
The Impact on the Community
The rugby league community has been quick to rally behind the initiative. Tributes and donations began pouring in almost immediately after the announcement, with fans from around the world expressing their support. Social media was flooded with the hashtag #ShineForMike, symbolising the collective commitment to carrying forward his light.
Parramatta Eels coach Brad Arthur praised Moses for his leadership both on and off the field:
โThis is more than just a gesture. Itโs a legacy. Mitch has shown what it truly means to be a leader, not only for the Eels but for the entire rugby league family. Mike would be proud.โ
Familyโs Response
For Jacksonโs family, the announcement was both a bittersweet moment and a source of comfort. In a statement released shortly after Mosesโs speech, they expressed their gratitude:
โMike gave his heart to the game, but his heart also belonged to the people around him. Seeing Mitch create this scholarship fund is overwhelming. It assures us that Mikeโs name will continue to inspire and uplift others, just as he did in life.โ
More Than Rugby
While rooted in rugby league, the fund reflects Jacksonโs broader philosophy of lifeโvaluing resilience, compassion, and community. Mitch Moses made it clear that the program will extend beyond producing athletes.
โThis isnโt just about making the next NRL star. Itโs about giving kids a chanceโwhether thatโs in sport, school, or life in general. Mike always believed in people, and thatโs what this fund is going to do.โ
Looking Ahead
The Mike Jackson Scholarship Fund is expected to launch its first fundraising event later this year, with a charity match involving current and former NRL stars. Early projections suggest significant support, ensuring that the initiative will be sustainable for many years to come.
For fans, the creation of the fund provides a powerful reminder that even in tragedy, the spirit of rugby league thrives in unity, compassion, and resilience. For Mitch Moses, it represents a chance to turn personal grief into a lasting legacy that honours one of the gameโs brightest lights.
Conclusion
As the NRL continues to mourn the loss of Mike Jackson, Mitch Mosesโs initiative shines as a beacon of hope. The scholarship fund not only ensures that Jacksonโs name will never be forgotten but also embodies the values he stood for: courage, generosity, and belief in the next generation.
In rugby league, players often talk about leaving the jersey in a better place. Through this act, Mitch Moses has ensured that Mike Jacksonโs legacy will leave the gameโand the worldโbetter than he found it.
