The current Knight board member combined work and pleasure to not only have a quick chat with the Bulldog first graders but also train with the Damien Connor-coached side.

Butterfield, who helped start the Players Association, was in Gunnedah through work to talk to the local council and miners about a number of topics related to OHS.

“I didn’t think it right I just came up and talked to the guys before such a big game,” Butterfield said.

“So I brought my boots and trained with them first.”

Butterfield’s company works in the coal mining industry helping design and develop mining camps so productivity is increased.

Issues of drugs, diet, family are all covered.

“It’s no different to developing a football team, you’ve got to have the solid foundation there,” Butterfield said.

“I’m still involved in a sports management company as well and still enjoy working with young, serious athletes.”

As a board member of the Newcastle Knights he’s also well aware how much the club has benefited over the years from talented young players such as current Gunnedah coach Damien Connor leaving home (Inverell in Damien’s case) and trying to carve out a football career.

He believes the Knights need to become more active in the local region.

Gunnedah Rugby League Football Club president Mal Walsh said Butterfield’s trip was a huge bonus for the club.

“He’s a very interesting bloke,” Walsh said.

“We’re a big chance too. The whole town’s abuzz .

Gunnedah’s Under 16s are already in Sunday week’s grand final while its Under 18s, second grade and first grade all play in finals at Scully Park on Sunday trying to win grand final berths and give the club four grand final starts.

Walsh said the junior side was confident despite losing a couple of players to injury.

“The second grade is at full strength,” he said.

“And Josh Schmiedel’s shoulder is still a problem in first grade but he reckons he’ll be right by Sunday.”