The NRL National Hogs Tour stopped to visit Casino High School on Friday, February 9.

NRL player Brad Fittler (Sydney Roosters) and women’s rugby league stars Jaime Chapman (Titans) and Yasmin Clydsdale ( Knights) played and chatted with the students. Footballs were given out and there was a barbecue organised by PCYC (Police & Community Youth Clubs).

Brad said Casino was “really rich on NRL players.”

He mentioned Cody Walker, Ben Kennedy, Jimmy the Jet and Ewan McGrady.

On Thursday night, February 8, Brad and the players visited the Casino Cougars.

“Twelve years ago, we started doing tours,” Brad said.

“It was an idea to bring rugby league to the country.”

Brad is from Sydney and he used to help feed the homeless with Father Chris Riley.

That is where he learned about “giving back”.

Brad and his mates ride their motorbikes on the tour.

The purpose is to improve mental health in the places they visit, Brad said.

Help someone else in your family, neighbourhood or school, he said.

“Change your mindset of thinking about yourself and help someone else.

The other part of making yourself feel good is exercise, he said.

“Get off the games and exercise.

“You’ll be surprised how you can turn your life around with good habits.”

Premier Chris Minns was scheduled to be at the school assembly but his plane was delayed.

He arrived later with State MP Janelle Saffin.

He met with some students in the library where he presented Izzy Miller with a Premier’s Award for stopping a runaway bus.

He called out the names of students who received a mention at the assembly.

The students were: Levi Frost, Maxx Allder-Conn, Ewan Macqueen, Angus McNeill, Christian Macqueen, Jack Herps, Tyson Valle, Emily Frahn, Sebastian Bryant, Natalie Gauld, Angus McNeill and Peter Malsem.

See all the pictures at indyNR.com.

This article appeared on indyNR.com on 10 February 2024.