For Brent Naden, the best thing about being back in his home region is how it doesn't feel any different no matter how long he's been away.
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So while the in-form Penrith Panthers man who's created a number of NRL highlights this season was a marquee attraction at the weekend's Men of League charity bowls day, it just felt like another event around footy for the Wellington junior.
"I don't see myself like that," he said of being a high-profile athlete.
"I'm just an old mate coming back or a family member. Nothing changes."
Naden was a popular figure at the bowls day, catching up with friends and family of all ages on the West Dubbo greens.
While his lawn bowl skills were a little lacking, he considered himself to be "one and done" after his first attempt, he was still pleased to be part of the event.
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The Cowboys junior was joined at the event by "Lord" Ted Goodwin, the former St George and Australian star, and the pair delighted all in attendance with interesting and amusing stories of life at the top of the game.
The day included a breakfast, lunch, and auction, and all up more than $6,000 was raised.
"I'm always keen to come back and help out as much as I can around Dubbo and Wellington," Naden said, having come back to attend two Cowboys games recently.
"Men of League does a lot of things for our game and it's only a little I can do, just give back a little.
"They (Men of League) help out so many players and ex-players so it's good to have days like this."
Naden was meant to be joined at the event by Penrith teammates and Dubbo juniors Isaah Yeo and Kaide Ellis, however the strong winds and subsequent runway closures at Sydney Airport meant they couldn't make it.
More than 60 bowlers, representing a number of Group 11 clubs, took to the greens and the winners on the day were Andy Reynolds, Adam Jermyn and Craig Rodis.
Brenden Emery, Terry McKenzie and Steve Ryan finished second, ahead of the team of John Silk, Lloyd Pierce and Trevor Williams.
Ronny Gibbs, another former NRL star, provided the prizes for the winning teams.
Naden missed out on a prize but he did get two big rewards last week.
Firstly, he signed a new deal with the Panthers to continue is stellar rise in 2019 before he helped the Penrith side to a fifth straight win in the NRL on Friday night.
Centre Naden ran the most metres of any player on the field in the 24-2 win over the Gold Coast Titans, one that helped the Panthers into the top eight by the end of the weekend.
"On a bit of a roll but we can't get too far ahead of ourselves," Naden said of his side's form.
"We do have to just focus on next week, the Dragons, and hopefully get another win.
"There's a bit of momentum and you get a bit of confidence out of that but Like I said, we're not getting ahead of ourselves.
"We were just a bit slow to get going but we've got a bit of a roll on and it's full-steam ahead."