LEADING rugby league coach Wayne Bennett and three of his Newcasle Knights charges visited Smithtown Oval on Saturday.
More than 100 rugby league enthusiasts attended the Smithtown Tigers Junior Rugby League Club’s sign-on day, where they had a chance to see Bennett and NRL players Akuila Uate, Alex McKinnon and Korbin Sims.
The Knights were in the area as they played a trial match against the Penrith Panthers at Port Macquarie Regional Stadium on Saturday night. The game ended in an 18-all draw.
The Newcastle representatives, along with football manager Warren Smiles, arrived at the ground at 10am and were quick to start putting about 50 children through their paces with various skills drills.
“Wayne and the boys were very professional and absolutely fantastic, showing the kids skills for over an hour out on the field,” Smithtown club president Barney Law said.
“There were kids from as little as three through to 17 who couldn’t wait to get out on the field with these boys.
“It was a rare opportunity for our area for kids to receive some elite coaching from Wayne Bennett and to interact with these NRL players, and also learn some skills to help with their rugby league in the future.
“Wayne had the older boys in his group hanging on to every word as he put them through their paces.
“The hour they spent with him I’m sure they will take with them for the rest of their lives.”
Warren, Akuila and Alex showed the younger children how to pass and tackle - and how to have fun playing rugby league.
The children had an absolute ball and it was a day they will remember.
The Knights stars welcomed photos and autographs the entire time they were there and did not disappoint their fans.
Many from the Macleay headed over for the game in Port Macquarie and enjoyed watching all the NRL players from both sides play some quality rugby league.
The day was a great success for the junior club which signed up many players for the 2012 season, which begins on Saturday, April 21.
The club would like to thank Wayne, Warren, Akuila, Alex, Korbin, Tara White (media) and of course the Newcastle Knights for their support.
They would also like to thank Jim Murphy for helping organise the visit and to all those that attended the day.
The Tigers begin training on Thursday, March 1 from 4.30pm. There is still time to sign up if you were unable to attend on Saturday.
Contact club secretary Therese Dyet on 0428 230 906 or 6561 4698 after 5pm for more information.
Players will need a parent or guardian to sign them up, a copy of their birth certificate and Medicare card.
Cost is $80 per player which includes shorts and socks. Discounts apply for more than one sibling.
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