21 Feb 2020

Public get to vote on All Black mullet

From First Up, 5:45 am on 21 February 2020

It's world famous in New Zealand, but its fate hangs in the balance as All Black, Jack Goodhue, lets the public decide whether to shave or save his mullet.

Jack Goodhue.

Jack Goodhue's mullet flies free. Photo: PhotoSport

The star centre and Kawakawa native is on a mission to raise $100,000 for the Bald Angels Charitable Trust, which helps at-risk youth and struggling families in Northland.

He started growing the mullet in 2018, and admitted he couldn't quite understand how it had become such an icon.

"It's funny, the mullets I get sent on Instagram, people tagging me in posts, in stories. I feel like a bit of a fraud. I've just grown it as a bit of fun."

This year, Goodhue realised his mullet could make a real difference to his community, and so he teamed up with the Bald Angles.

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"It's an amazing Northland charity that really helps the youth of Northland.

"It's launched a mentoring programme, and it also just helps people in Northland that are struggling financially and helps them with food parcels and gifts and Christmas presents."

This Sunday, during the first ever "Mullet in the Park" charity event, Goodhue is set to reveal whether his infamous hairdo will survive another rugby season.

It's a big step for Goodhue, who once claimed there was "scientific evidence that shows that she makes me faster."

But he said it was worth it to help the people of Northland.

"We are hoping some money will come in on the day... we're having some prizes for the best mullet, categories of mullets as well, you know, the whānau mullet, the wāhine mullet, the child mullet."

So far, Goodhue has raised more than $14,000 for the Bald Angels and said while he might not get to his $100,000 goal, he was going to give it his best shot.

And if you want to donate, and vote on the fate of Jack's mullet, you can visit the Givealittle page or text 206 with the line 'shave' or 'save'

That text will be an automatic $3 donation.

Jack Goodhue's Mullet in the Park.

Photo: Supplied