Players from all the NRL clubs will visit 400 schools in 78 communities stretching from Sydney to Perth and New Zealand handing out 6500 footballs, 30,000 posters and 500 Eat Well, Play Well, Stay Well DVDs and classroom resource packs.

Being away from training for two days meant the Dubbo-bound Bulldogs had to do some extra work at home before hand. Never-the-less they still had plenty of energy left to mix with the kids yesterday.

Ryan and Payne practice what they preach and they were a hit with the kids at all the schools they visited.

At St Mary’s Payne admitted he ate well, but also worked hard to stay fit and do his best for a new club at which he hopes to break into first grade this season.

“Before we train we eat well. My breakfast consists of 16 Weet-Bix, toast, fruit, yogurt and orange juice,” he told the kids.

“But when we get to training we soon burn it off.

“Sport is a job for us, just like your mum and dad who go to work each day. We just do something different.

“Playing football is what we want to do but to get to where we are we have to train hard and work hard.

“Drinking plenty of water is also a must for us and definitely no fast foods.”

The Bulldogs asked the kids how many played sport and the result was near 100 per cent - that can only be good.

“We are here today to encourage you all to eat well, play well and if you do that you will stay well,” Ryan told the 500-strong audience made up of kids and teachers.

“Our training is not only about football. Since mid November we have been preparing for the season with plenty of variety in our training. We do cycling, boxing, wrestling, weights and skills.

“As we get closer to the start of the season we’re spending more time with the ball.”

Dubbo’s Country Rugby League development officer Steve McLellan helped put together this week’s Community Carnival and was more than pleased with the response.

“It’s been great today and the players themselves have been just as great. They have been wonderful ambassadors for the Bulldogs,” he said. “They have been warmly welcomed at all the schools and by the teachers and at the end of the day we hope the kids will be better off for the experience.

“Our next stop is at the combined junior league registration up at Apex Oval, then there’s a dinner on at the RSL club.

“This week’s visit will also be a great promotion for the upcoming NRL trial on February 27 between the Bulldogs and Canberra Raiders.”