The Titans are in a re-building process this season and a perfect example of that could be seen at Quirindi on Thursday as one veteran and two up-and-comers had a chat to the primary and high school kids before running a training session and come-and-try day with the Junior Grasshoppers.

Foundation season hooker and NRL journeyman Nathan Friend has returned to the club this season and found time to travel to the NSW country with young star and son of foundation coach Jed Cartright, as well as exciting halfback prospect Carl Lawton.

Lawton and Cartright are both expected to make their first grade debuts this season, but first the three had some important messages to spread.

“Rugby league is a team sport that should be played with mates for fun,” Cartright said.

“The kids should feel welcome and that sense of belonging is really important.” 

Cartright is the son of former  Penrith player and Titans  coach John Cartright and, after piling on 14kg since he kicked off the U20 season last year, is ready to be a handful for opposition sides in the back row if he gets his chance.

After coming up through the ranks, the young star knows how important days like Thursday can be for kids in the country.

“I used to love it when the NRL players would come to school,” Cartright said.

“Everyone looks up to them and made me want to be like them. 

“That is why I am enjoying having the chance to do this now.

“The best message I can pass on from my experience is to play the game because you love it and if you want to get more serious and try to make a career out of it, hard work will always beat talent.”