Wallaroos target $10,000 homelessness fundraiser as Duck outlines return to play

Wallaroos trio Bridie O’Gorman, Desiree Miller and Piper Duck will ‘sleep under the stars’ in Sydney on Friday night for a good cause to raise awareness for homelessness with young people.

Sleep Under the Stars is an annual fundraising event that was founded in 2015 and is organised by Stepping Stone House to support those in need and make a difference off the field.

Check out the Wallaroos' full Rugby World Cup 2025 Pool A draw here.

O’Gorman will join Miller, Duck and Wallaroos staff members by sleeping overnight in Barangaroo with nothing more than a sleeping bag and cardboard boxes at their disposal.

“I’ve been lucky enough to have had an easy and fortunate upbringing, and I want to help those less privileged,” O’Gorman said.

“My friend is a former coach of mine who works for the charity and I was keen to be involved and a couple of my teammates were happy to join me which is great.

Piper Duck engages with Wallaroos fans during the 2024 Pac Four series. Picture: Getty

“Being in South Africa recently opened my eyes up those less fortunate and there’s also people in need back home.

“There are people under the age of 25 who need our help, whether that’s through housing, food or jobs and ultimately we want to help these people get their life back on track.”

O’Gorman has set a team target of $10,000 to achieve with donations so far hitting the $6000 mark. From 10am on Wednesday 23 October, every donation made will also be quintupled by an external foundation.

“It’s going to make a real difference to people’s lives and overall will be a fun night out,” O’Gorman added.

Meanwhile, Duck missed the WXV 2 tournament win in Cape Town after undergoing ankle surgery in August but will return to training in the pre-season and ahead of the 2025 Rugby World Cup.

"I did my first return to run (on Tuesday) which was extremely exciting," Duck told rugby.com.au.

"It’s been a tough two months after the injury and coming off the back of last year but I’ve been so proud of what the girls have delivered in WXV 2. 

"I’m working hard now to get back on the paddock and be fit for Super Rugby next year. 

"I’m looking forward to the sleep out on Friday night to give back to those in need and raise money for a good cause."

Donate to the Wallaroos 'Sleep Under The Stars' fundraiser here.

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