THE COVID-19 pandemic has players feeling separated from clubs and isolated due to the government's restrictions against mass gatherings.
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However, the Tamworth Rugby Union Sporting Club is refusing to let the pandemic get its playing group down and is using the power of the internet to connect its members.
The Magpies have been hosting online interview sessions, which have profiled some of the clubs biggest on and off-field personalities.
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Magpies member Blake Hamilton has been leading the Behind the Sleeves segment and said it was a great way for club members to engage during self-isolation.
"When we had our last monthly meeting over Zoom, one of our biggest priorities, apart from the financial side, was player well-being," Hamilton told the Leader.
"There's a lot of people who work in hospitality, retail and the service industries at our club, and we wanted to make sure they could see the club support network was still there.
"From that, the decision was made to do this interview series and ensuring we had a big social media presence."
So far, the Behind the Sleeves segment has featured first-grade stars Jack and Darcy Barker, as well as former Magpies coach Wally Franklin.
"Everyone has been very willing to come forward and get involved," Hamilton said.
"I don't think I've had a single person knock back the offer to come on, they've all been really up for having a chat.
"It's been really well received and I've heard from quite a few old boys about how much they have enjoyed staying in touch in some way."
Hamilton said it was likely the online segment would continue once the pandemic was over.
"At the moment, we are looking to keep the same format and as the restrictions begin to roll back, use it as a way to update our club members," he said.
"Beyond that, we might try to make it a permanent thing going forward."