THREE NRL legends went on a tour of Tamworth schools yesterday to give the students a talk about what it takes to follow your dreams and what sacrifices they had to make, as the students got a rare glimpse of the former players softer side.
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Craig Teevan, Stu Kelly and Nathan Blacklock are all in town for the International Legends of League game at Jack Woolaston Oval tomorrow, but had a message for the local youth first going to three primary and three secondary schools over the past two days.
During his chat at Tamworth High Kelly talked about longevity in the NRL and making sure that the kids have an education to fall back on.
“The average length of a first graders NRL career is 42 games,” Kelly said.
“That is only one and a half seasons.”
“Follow your dreams and play those games or whatever you want to do but make sure you have an education.”
“Education fills in the gaps between footy and life.”
Kelly and Teevan are both former Gold Coast Seagulls and both pulled on a maroon jersey.
Teevan told his own story, a story that is familiar to anybody who follows the game.
“I was lucky enough to play for Australian Schoolboys and then all of a sudden I was debuting next to my hero Wally Lewis,” Teevan said.
“I thought this is it I have done it and I got on the grog pretty hard.” That decision led to him playing three years of reserve grade and lose his contracts at Broncos, Manly and Cronulla.
“Eventually I made the decision and got off the grog, even dropped the butter,” Teevan said.
“Wayne Bennett gave me a second chance then I eventually joined the Gold Coast Seagulls and played Origin.”
“That is still the proudest moment of my life.”
Teevan’s main message to the kids was to reach out to your friends and family when you get off the track.
“They are the way back,” Teevan said.
Blacklock’s story from Tingha to a Kangaroos jersey and beyond is well known and has been used in regional schools as an example since.
The back-flipping winger come playmaker can’t wait to get in the legends backline where he will have the likes of Cliffy Lyons, Andrew Walker, David Peachey, and local bloke Ben Smith around him, among many other stars.
Former Origin star now boxer Solomon Haumono has also been a late inclusion to the NSW side.
“I think I am going to have a really good go this year,” Blacklock said.
“It is one of the best line-ups I have seen and should be a great day.”
Entry to the ground is $10, with five games being played from 11am until the main event at 6pm.
Profits are going to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and Hunter New England Health.