IT was big names on stage and field Tuesday afternoon when the National Rugby League rolled into town. NRL Community Ambassadors Mario Fenech, Nathan Merritt, Andrew Ryan and Shaun Timmons arrived early and spoke to a big assembly at Inverell Public School.
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Their message was all about wellness, from good sleep, eating right, and physical and mental health.
Later, the NRL Hogs for Homeless crew joined the party, and the players converged at Kamilaroi Park for an NRL clinic. It was an all-in game, where the pros ran barefoot with local boys and girls of all ages, their colourful jerseys and flashing legs blurred together in the afternoon sunlight.
Fenech was out on the Kamilaroi paddock, watching the kids running and laughing with footballs with the NRL stars. He felt it was a great honour to encourage children to build friendships and become healthy inside and out.
“We’re trying to push the message (of) being active and keeping busy, and not sitting down and having an exercise routine to suit you,” Fenech said.
“If you can train a minimum of three times a week, just tick your engine over, get a sweat on your brown, you’re going to feel good, you’re going to look good, you’re going to live longer. They’re pretty good qualities.”
NRL colleague Nathan Hindmarsh joined Fenech and said the words heard by children today could affect their futures.
“We try and give them right information to carry on into their adulthood,” Hindmarsh said.
“I think we’ve lost touch with, I suppose, our Aussie roots of being active and outdoor-y.”
While the kids played, parents and grandparents stood on the sidelines. Kylie Bourke watched her daughter Holly, 16, shouldering in with the boys, and felt it was great to they had the opportunity.
Eleven-year-old Connor Putzoli came off the field and was clearly excited by the chance to play with the big boys.
“It’s pretty fun. It’s good to know they’ve actually came down here and helped us. They’re just helping us kids, showing us what to do,” he said.
Debby Walker said her little six-year-old Colby was out there in the thick of it and having a wonderful time. He had a photo with one of the players and his hat signed.
“I reckon it’s great for them. The kids just love it, especially when they’re older, too and they start to realise who’s in the game,” she said.
