As part of the 100-year celebration of junior league in the Canterbury-Bankstown district, members of the NRL squad have spent time with a number of junior league clubs.
Seven of the 12 clubs received a visit from the players, while the other five will get up close with their heroes in the coming weeks.
Junior league clubs St George Dragons, St Johns Eagles, Milperra Colts, East Hills Bulldogs, Moorebank Rams, St Christopher’s and Revesby Heights Rhinos all had players from the Bulldogs NRL squad in attendance.
The visits were all about encouraging both boys and girls to come and try their hand at rugby league, increase registration numbers at the respective clubs and give kids an opportunity to meet their favourite player.
The NRL players took part in the training sessions held by the club, pose for photos and signed plenty of autographs for the kids.
Juniors Jayden Okunbor, Jackson Topine and Jake Averillo all headed back to their local clubs to reflect and give back to the club they gave them the opportunity to wear the blue and whites of Canterbury.
“It’s cool to be back here. The first year I was at the St George Dragons we made it to the grand final so that was awesome, but we ended up losing. The second year was tough because we didn’t have enough numbers, but we still kept turning up and playing. That’s always been a good thing about the Dragons, there were always good vibes and it was always a great place to play footy even if you were short on numbers,” Topine added.
It’s not too late to be a Junior Bulldog in our 100th season and these local clubs have spots still available.
Bankstown Bulls – U8s, 10s and 14s
Bankstown Sports – U11s
East Hills - U7s, 10s and U15 Girls tag
Milperra Colts - U5s, 8s, 10s and 18 Mens
Revesby Rhinos U6s. 7s and 9s
St George Dragons – U7s, 10s and 14 Div 3
St Johns – U14 Girls tackle
Find your local club by going to www.playrugbyleague.com.au, and either register or contact the club secretary to discuss.
