The Wests Tigers are making their presence felt in Tamworth as the round seven NRL match between the Tigers and the Newcastle Knights closes in.
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The match to be played at Scully Park is just over a month away and former Wests Tigers Shaun Spence and Paul Whatuira – who now work at the club – were in Tamworth on Tuesday for a range of reasons.
“It’s [the trip] really about making sure that the game we’re taking out here on April 21 is more than a game. We want to leave a legacy behind,” Spence, who played for the Tigers in 2013, said.
“We want to make sure we set up some pathways for participation and other community engagement with the town.
“[We’re spreading] a bit of a well-being message about belonging, respect, inclusion. But we’re also trying to boost participation rates in junior rugby league as well.”
Along with clinics at Manilla and PCYC Tamworth, the former NRL players will visit roughly 15 schools over their March 12-14 trip.
Spence – who grew up playing league in Griffith, NSW – said he always enjoyed visits to regional areas and was thrilled by the response received in Tamworth.
“It’s been great. I’m from the country originally and I love getting back there,” Spence said.
“I just find the kids so appreciative. It’s really good to see.
“Everyone knows about the game, everyone's buzzing about the game and there’s a lot of Tigers fans out here which is really good to see.
“It’s been a really good experience and to have Paul Whatuira out here as well, has been fantastic.”