LATIN American Rugby League has launched an appeal on behalf of popular team member Grantito Chacone,

LATIN American Rugby League has launched an appeal on behalf of popular team member Grantito Chacone, following the death of his close friend in a mining accident this week.

A pivotal figure in the emergence of rugby league in Mexico, Chacone was due to play for the GYG Latin Heat against Portugal in Sydney on October 18.

However the Western Australian-based utility has been faced with paying for two cross-country trips in a matter of weeks so he can attend the funeral of friend Jason Stevenson, who died in Queensland’s Surat Basin on Monday.

A spiritual leader of the Heat, who was rehearsing to lead the team in a Nahautl (Aztec) war dance, Chacone indicated he would relinquish his jersey so he could redirect funds and pay his respects to Mr Stevenson.

“That’s 100 per cent the type of guy Grantito is – fiercely loyal and selfless,” Latin Heat director Robert Burgin said.

“We totally understand his position and our thoughts are also with Mr Stevenson’s family.

“Grantito himself has three children and a full-time job, so for him to pay for two return trips across Australia in a month is a big burden.

“I just think there would be people out there who might appreciate how important he is to the continued expansion of rugby league and might want to contribute, so we can ensure he takes the field against Portugal.”

As such, a fund has been established to assist Chacone so that he can both attend the funeral in Brisbane and the later game in Sydney:

Donations under the code of ‘Tito’ can be made to:

LATIN AMERICAN RUGBY LEAGUE INCORPORATED
BSB: 064000
ACC: 14085618

Chacone, the first player of Mexican heritage to represent Latin America in rugby league, played fullback in June’s 16-all draw with Thailand in Sydney, with employer Carey Mining helping to fund the trip.

The mixed martial arts instructor badly dislocated two toes on his first touch of the ball, popped them back in on the sideline, then returned to the field in a courageous display.

Off the field, he has also been a vital link to brothers Carlos and Ruben Munguia, who helped orchestrate the first Rugby League Nines tournament in Mexico City recently.

Chacone, who also has Argentinian heritage, learnt rugby league growing up in Ipswich where he played for Goodna, West End and Rosewood.

Since relocating to the WARL he has featured for the Rockingham Sharks and his most recent club, the Mandurah Storm.