Students from Buninyong Public School and Dubbo West Public School had an opportunity to get up close and personal with two ex-NRL stars.
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Former South Sydney Rabbitohs stars Roy Asotasi and Beau Champion came to the city to educate students on the importance of proper oral care.
The pair gave details about healthy eating before showing a video of Rabbitohs players demonstrating proper toothbrushing methods.
They ended each session with a question and answer opportunity.
The Country Rugby League was also involved with former Roosters, Manly and Gold Coast hardman Ron Gibbs putting students through a series of drills.
The visit was a partnership between the Rabbitohs’ program Souths Cares and Colgate, called Bright Smiles, Bright Futures.
Champion, whose career spanned 107 first grade games, including 80 for the Rabbitohs, said he was delighted to be able to visit regional areas and spread a message that could have a long-lasting impact on children.
He said the children were very responsive.
“They’ve been fantastic. Any time you go out to the remote communities like Dubbo, Bourke, Coonamble and Brewarrina where we are heading tomorrow, the kids always give us a great response,” he said.
“They love rugby league and the NRL so to come to their school and teach them to eat healthy and look after their teeth, it’s good to get that message across.”
Asotasi, who played 217 NRL games for the Bulldogs and Rabbitohs, said the students were even more attentive when there were extra incentives on offer.
“When you put on a movie and tell them there is prizes at the end, they are very responsive,” he said.
The students asked questions relating to the players’ careers including how many games they played and how many tries they scored.
“They didn’t ask anything too tricky,” Asotasi said.
“They like to know your age, and when you tell them how old you are, they go ‘oooh’ so I find that interesting.
“I’m not that old that they don’t remember me though, so that’s good.”
When it comes to who will win this year’s NRL grand final, the pair both thought North Queensland were in with a good chance.
“I’ve always said it would be the Cowboys or Brisbane this year so I will stick with that. Not the Rabbitohs this year,” Champion said.
“Melbourne is looking good. My money would be on them,” Asotasi added.
“It’s hard to go past the Cowboys as well but anyone in the eight has a chance.”
