Between the drought filled last decade and the most recent Ashes series, Australian’s are no strangers to praying for rain. Unfortunately though, here on the world’s driest continent we occasionally get a lot of rain, all at once.

At the moment Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, and a lot of homes as well, is under water. In fact an area of land the size of Europe is under water for the first time in nearly 40 years. Moments like these are when a country and a community are truly tested.

The Rugby League community, very strong in Queensland is no exception. 80 National Rugby League Players have offered their services for flood relief, many have already returned to their home towns in the north to lend a hand. While some clubs are happy to fund raise, The Parramatta Eels have offered to fly their entire squad north.

Brisbane will be a sport free zone while the pitches dry out, and matches have already been cancelled, but obviously the competitions involved have not forgotten their fans and are joining in the effort to rebuild. In times of natural disaster the athletes here are being role models by being like everyone else, people who are willing to get in and help.

Mardo Gray, rugby league correspondent, NSW, Australia, 13 January 2011