Former Israeli commando Jarryd Rubinstein leads TRG agents on Kokoda Trek for Wolfy Foundation

Patrick Cosgrove, Jarryd Rubinstein and Oliver Lavers preparing for the Kokoda Trek to raise money for the Wolfy Foundation.

---

Former Israeli commando turned Ray White TRG managing director Jarryd Rubinstein is gearing up to lead agents Patrick Cosgrove and Oliver Lavers on the Kokoda Track to raise money for cancer.

And the trio is planning to complete the 96km “trek” through the dense jungle of PNG in just four days rather than the usual 10.

Not only that, rather than having porters take their luggage, the lads will be carrying their own 15kg packs.

It will be no mean feat, particularly for Cosgrove and Lavers who are more at home in a suit. They’re star performers when it comes to selling houses but never camped, nor gone four days without a shower.

But the trek is to raise money for a very important cause — The Wolfy Foundation, a charity focusing on serving people living with brain cancer.

MORE:

The Paddington terraces that are hot property

Jeweller’s mansion has $5m price drop

David Wolf died of brain cancer at the age of 23 in 2013.

---

The foundation was set up in memory of David Wolf who lost his battle with brain cancer at the age of 23 in 2013.

“David Wolf was a very good friend of Patrick, so it’s a cause that’s very close to home,” Rubinstein said.

The track, through the Owen Stanley Range in PNG, is renowned as the location of the World War II battle between Japanese and Australian forces in 1942.

It’s also known for its hot and humid days coupled with cold nights. There’s also the likelihood of torrential rain or even a risk of catching a tropical disease such as malaria.

Rubinstein, 39, who served as a commando 2005-2007, says the group is up for the challenge — Lavers, 32, runs half-marathons every Sunday and Cosgrave, also 32, has been in weekly training with Rubinstein.

The Kokoda Track is famous for a World War II battle — but also its hot, humid days and cold nights.

---

“It’s a mental thing — we will get through it — if none of us break a leg,” he laughed.

“We will be rigorously training in the lead up carrying heavy packs on the Tamarama and Coogee stairs.”

He expects the biggest challenge to be the humidity and culture shock for the two others, who have never travelled in a third-world country before.

As to how much they can raise, he said they didn’t have a definitive figure in mind, just the most they possibly can.

The trek has been facilitated by Historical Kokoda, with one guide and a satellite phone for any emergency.