Brad Fittler returned to the region this week on a very different mission to his last visit, and on a very different mode of transport.
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Last month Fittler brought his State of Origin squad to Armidale for a training camp.
On Monday he revved into Tamworth on his Hogs For The Homeless charity motor bike ride, bringing a host of former stars along with him.
Danny Buderus, Nathan Hindmarsh, Beau Scott and Mark Hughes joined Fittler for an afternoon coaching clinic after making their way from Moree.
Around 90 youngsters kicked the footy around with the league legends as part of the nine day tour.
“We get out to NSW country, we spread the word and the love of rugby league, we give all the kids a footy and if we get a chance we talk about Father Chris Riley’s Youth off the Streets and the work he does,” Fittler said.
Since the Blues coach began Hogs For The Homeless in 2013, it has raised almost $700,000 for the program.
“I did some work with him (Riley) in the early 2000s,” he explained.
“Kids, when they’re young teenagers don’t have that big a say if they’re living on the streets. If you get to 40 there’s a good chance, you’ve had a far bit to do with it.
“I feel for kids that at that young age find the best option is not to be in a house or sleep under a roof.”
“Father Chris deals with a lot of those kids. He has things all up and down the Eastern seaboard and has dealt with like a-hundred thousand kids and does some wonderful things.”
He also spoke about the role the Police Citizens Youth Clubs (PCYC) can play, with the organisation a new partner for this year’s tour.
“I’ve been a patron for Woolloomooloo Police Boys Club for quite a while and done some work down there,” Fittler said.
“The original idea was to go around all the PCYC’s. There’s about 65 in NSW and I think these are the venue for young kids to find out about, and if we can do that we can put more money into them and establish them better and just be a real safe haven if kids need to go to a safe haven.”
The tour is as much fun for the players involved as it is the kids, Fittler commenting that he looks forward to the ride every year and noting the reception they receive from the towns they visit.
They will depart Tamworth on Tuesday after participating in a Fit for Life PCYC boxing session, but could well be back again next year.
“There’s so much to offer in these country areas, they’re so beautiful,” Fittler said.
“While the people keep talking to us we’ll keep coming.”
