Parramatta Eels forward Tim Mannah and West Tigers second-rower Robbie Rochow joined Jillaroo Corban McGregor for a trip to the region this week.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The trio of rugby league stars landed in Armidale as part of the NRL’s Road to Regions program.
They visited schools around the area, passing on messages about cyber awareness as well as conducting junior league clinics in Uralla and Armidale.
For Mannah, its not his first visit to Armidale.
“We love coming here, it is probably my fifth or sixth time coming out here,” he said.
“We had a connection with UNE for a long time with our club and I have been fortunate enough to spend some time with the people out here,” he said.
“We are looking forward to spending a few days in the community.”
Rochow came up through the Country Rugby League ranks and understands the enjoyment regional kids get from seeing NRL players in person.
“I haven't dealt with any schools in Armidale yet but I am from Maitland myself. So being from a rural area, it is always refreshing to visit the schools and promote a good message,” he said.
“To get out of Sydney and do something for the NRL and the community is a real good opportunity for us.”
The visit will wrap up on Wednesday with visits to Martin’s Gully Public School, Minimbah, Guyra Central and St Mary’s Guyra.
We love coming here, it is probably my fifth or sixth time coming out here. We had a connection with UNE for a long time with our club and I have been fortunate enough to spend some time with the people out here.
- Tim Mannah
The visit to Uralla junior Tigers coincided with their come-and-try day to encourage more young players to take up the sport.
The Tigers have two more information and registration sessions on Thursday, February 14 and Tuesday, February 26 at 4.30pm at the Uralla Sporting Complex.
For more information visit the Facebook page Uralla junior Tigers or contact Clare Baker on 0427 705 058 or Karen Steward on 0414 264 341. The Group 19 junior season will commence with the Gordon Creighton Cup on March 30.