As part of the NRL’s community carnival scheme, Mario Fenech, Rhys Wesser, Kirisome Auva’a and Ed Murphy paid a visit to local schools on Monday and Tuesday. 

Kids were given the opportunity to talk with the current premiers and past players, as well as take part in fun skill sessions. 

A free clinic was also held at Pambula Beach on Monday afternoon, which included a casual game of touch featuring Wesser and NRL development officer Matt Cross. 

An appreciation barbecue dinner was held for club volunteers and supporters to mingle with the players at the Pambula Surf Life Saving Club.

During the night, Fenech said he was impressed by local competition and enthusiasm shown by kids during the visit. 

“When we had the clinic earlier it was raining and it was quite surprising that 20 kids or so turned up,” Fenech said.

“There is a lot of opportunities for rugby league in this area and it’s people like you [volunteers] that drive it a long.

“Ultimately rugby league is a game that is challenging, but no doubt today I saw a fair bit of natural talent out there.”

The players guided a number of juniors through some skill drills and also took photos and did signings for their young fans. 

Fenech said he hoped the visit would help encourage kids to take up the sport and stay active.

“All I hope and pray is that rugby league can be strong right around Australia,” he said. 

“I played for Mascot as a kid and all our coaching and canteen staff were volunteers.

“All the great people we had there, they do it because they care and they do it because they love developing junior rugby league.”

He then asked club members and supporters during the special dinner about the local competition. 

Upon hearing the reply, Fenech was visibly impressed with the rise of local competition. 

“I would really like to thank the people who have contributed to the development of league in this area,” he said. 

“I am very optimistic about the opportunities that exist in this area. 

“We have a platform to base on and it’s excellent to see that rugby league is headed in the right direction.”

Bega’s NRL development officer Damian Kennedy said he was grateful for support from the NRL. 

“For the last four years we have had a community carnival visit,” Kennedy said. 

“From my point of view we get plenty of support from the NRL, but we don’t always bang our own drum. 

“But there is no doubt that other codes are fairly envious of the support we do get.”