MONEY raised from next week’s challenge match between York City Knights and a York Select XIII will be going to charity – with the full backing of Lee McTigue’s widow, Lynne.

The pre-season friendly, to be held at Huntington Stadium a week tomorrow, is the second Lee McTigue Memorial match, the inaugural game having been held a year ago, just a month after the former Knights, York Acorn and New Earswick All Blacks player died of cancer, aged 29.

Proceeds from the game last year went to McTigue’s family, and Lynne has said she is delighted with the choice of recipients this time around – the York City Knights Foundation and the XIII Heroes charity.

Mrs McTigue will also be involved in presenting a new trophy to the team who win the match, with either herself, son Ryan, nine, or Lee’s brother, Martin, doing the honours on the day.

She said: “I’m very happy with the charities. The match contributed towards Lee’s family (last year) and this is my way of giving something back.

“In many ways for us the match is in memory of Lee, it’s not about the money.”

The Knights Foundation helps to pay for the club’s work in the community, including taking rugby league into schools, which has knock-on benefits for local amateur clubs and the youngsters themselves.

The charity XIII Heroes provides financial assistance to rugby league players, and their families, who have suffered through disability or death.

Mrs McTigue said: “It’s good that money is going to XIII Heroes. Mike, Lee’s dad, has had a lot to do with them. We had a lot of help from them last year and without that we would have been in a sticky situation.

“I also think the Foundation is a good cause.”

A new trophy has been made for the occasion, which the Knights hope will continue to be an annual affair, pitching the semi-professional club against a representative side made up mainly of amateur players across the city.

Mrs McTigue said: “It will be either myself or Martin who presents the trophy. I think Ryan would like to come as well.”

Knights general manager Ian Wilson said: “With it being a York event including York clubs, it’s good that money raised will go towards the community work we do, which introduces rugby league to a lot of youngsters and in turn benefits the clubs.

“The XIII Heroes charity is something Martin and Lynne asked for and we will be making a significant donation to them. It’s a very good cause.”

Last year’s match was drawn 22-22, and if there is another stalemate, the trophy will be shared.

Wilson added: “We want to hold this game on an annual basis if we can.

“There is going to be a trophy this year for the winning team, and hopefully we can have this as our first friendly every year, with the winners keeping that trophy.”