Yeoval-born Brad Wilkin came to the city to run a coaching clinic for 80 players aged between 6 and 13. The clinic ran between 9am and 3pm on Monday.

Wilkin is one of the Waratahs’ new recruits, signed from the Queensland Reds at the end of 2015.

Western Region development manager Mark Debrincat said it was fantastic to have a player with the calibre of Wilkin come out and run a clinic for the juniors.

“Brad took the kids and put them through their paces, he guided them through skills and drills and got around to each group to spend time with them,” Debrincat said.

“He was great with the kids, taught them to their standard and they really responded to him.

“It is great that the kids get to rub shoulders with someone who grew up in the area, and shows you don’t have to come from the city to play top-level rugby.”

Debrincat said Wilkin was a talented player with a promising future, but injuries had impacted on his career. 

Part of the reason he was available to make the trip to Dubbo was because he was out with a knee injury.

“Brad spent his early years in Yeoval and Dubbo before he moved up to Queensland, where he went to school. He went through the school system there and went on to play with Brisbane City in the NRC [National Rugby Championship],” Debrincat said.

“The Waratahs picked him up at the end of last year and hopefully he can get his chance once he gets his knee right.

“He has a very good pedigree, playing schoolboys and 20s so he deserves his shot.”

After he finished with the children, Wilkin made himself available to players and staff from the Dubbo Kangaroos on Monday night.

Debrincat said they appreciated the opportunity to talk to the Waratah about different aspects of the game over dinner.

“It was just an informal question and answer session at the Commercial Hotel and they guys liked being able to rub shoulders with Brad,” he said.

Debrincat said it was important that high profile players helped the game in country areas by coming out and giving support. He said it provided inspiration to young kids who are part of the game.

“We had Reece and Tom Robinson here recently for the Contarf Sevens so the Waratahs have been giving good service to us,” he said.

“It is great for the game in the region to get these high profile players out here.”

Debrincat also wanted to thank the Dubbo Kangaroos and Central West Rugby for their assistance in running the canteen at Number 2 and 3 ovals on Monday.