Retiring rugby League ace Adrian Morley will make his farewell rugby league appearance – at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The Salford Red Devils legend is part of a record-breaking charity game next month before hanging up his boots.
The veteran campaigner hit the heights during an illustrious career and will play in the world’s highest rugby league game at the summit of Africa’s tallest peak.
Morley is among a 40-strong group of fundraisers climbing the near 6,000m mountain for the Steve Prescott Foundation, a charity named in honour of the late St Helens player who died of cancer almost two years ago.
The climbers, including ex-players Lee Briers, Alan Hunte and Barrie McDermott and Harry Potter actor Matthew Lewis, will play a full-scale match with international referee Robert Hicks officiating.
Morley said: “It’s going to be the strangest game of rugby I’ve played and we’ve got to climb Kilimanjaro first but we’re raising funds for a terrific cause.
“Rugby players are known for their supreme fitness but there could be a few suffering from altitude sickness. It may well be my last game so what a way to bow out!”
The BBC and Sky will film the game with reporters Beccy Meehan and Angela Powers going on the trip. Organisers have gone to great lengths to arrange the high-level match.
SPF committee member Ade Cunliffe said: “The pitch will be of Super League dimensions and made of volcanic ash so marking it out with a stick and our feet shouldn’t be too difficult unless there’s snow and high winds.
“We’re taking a battery-operated machine to inflate the posts and will blow up pitch side advertising boards in the same way.
“We’ve already had great support for the trip but we’re still looking for more sponsors and donations for such a marvellous cause.”
For more details on how to help go to the Steve Prescott Foundation website.
