THE Wests Tigers have continued to form a strong link with the Tamworth region by hosting an all abilities clinic on Wednesday afternoon.
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Held at the Gipps Street playing fields, the clinic invited members from Tamworth's various support services to try their hand at rugby league.
The event was a precursor to the Wests Tigers round seven clash against the Gold Coast Titans at Scully Park on Saturday evening, with the starting players expected to arrive in the region on Friday.
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West Tigers community engagement co-ordinator Cassandra Ewens told the Leader it was important for the club to continue to build a strong relationship with the Tamworth community.
"Given the success of our visit to Tamworth in 2018 it is extremely important for us to keep that going," Ewens said.
"That's why we came earlier in the year and touched base with a few of the schools in the area and now we wanted to come back and touch base with the wider community."
Wednesday's clinic will be the first of many events hosted by both the Wests Tigers and the Gold Coast Titans with fans invited to a training clinic, captains run and signing session on Friday.
"This event has been really well received," Ewens said.
"So have our clinics on Friday, in fact the clinic at Ken Chillingworth Oval has attracted over 200 participants.
"It has reached its capacity, which while disappointing, is a good indicator the community gets right around us when we come back here."
The club will also have a presence on Anzac Day, with representatives attending Thursday's dawn services.
"There will be a few of us showing our respect and supporting the community in commemorating a special day," Ewens said.
"Later in the week our players will come out and be making a bit of a tribute video that will be screened at Saturday's game."
Ewens said Friday's signing session at Scully Park would be "a massive highlight" for all Tigers fans.
"The players fly in on Friday and from 4pm they will be holding a signing session and they'll be there for a couple of hours," she said.
"If anyone is looking to meet the players, head on down to Scully Park because it will be the best spot to do it as the entire squad will be there."
Ewens said Tigers veteran Benji Marshall was "a possibility" to play in Saturday's game.
"He might be right to play, he will head up with the squad and even if he doesn't get up to play he will always be there for moral support," she said.
"He came out on Easter Monday with the boys and got involved in their training session as well. I think he was back up and running so I suppose it is just about how this week goes for him and how the body's pulling up."
Marshall is expected to be one of the most sought-after players at Friday's signing session.
"I would say Benji, Luke Brooks and Josh Reynolds resonate the most with kids so I think they'll be pretty popular," Ewens said.
"With the whole squad there it should be a great day."
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
