Brad Fittler and Nathan Hindmarsh put smiles on faces at coaching clinic
Kids from around the Griffith area were treated to an NRL coaching clinic which featured current NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler and Eels legend Nathan Hindmarsh on Monday afternoon.
For kids in the Group 20 area, it was potentially the first time they have had a rugby league training run since the start of the year due to the COVID-19 pandemic cancelling the junior Group 20 season.
STARS: NSW Blue coach Brad Fittler and Parramatta legend Nathan Hindmarsh quiz the kids on Monday afternoon. PHOTO: Liam Warren
Fittler said it is important to keep the kids interested in the sport during the tough time.
"It's disappointing that the kids didn't get a chance to take the field this year, but hopefully it builds a bit of excitement heading into next year," he said.
"I feel for a lot of the volunteers and the clubs and more the kids. You turn up on a day like this and say the kids need to be outdoors because this is where they are happiest out in the sun.
The up and coming female players with Brad Fittler and Gavin Badger
"Hopefully this helps to build the excitement heading into next year and do a bit of work over the offseason to really encourage the numbers."
Fittler and Hindmarsh have been doing these kinds of programs for around eight years, and Fittler said seeing the smile on the kids' faces makes it all worth it and he hopes that these programs help to show the kids the importance of getting outside and staying active.
"You just hope they see that it is fun to get outside. Sometimes you can stop recognising that and how good it is to get out in the fresh air," he said.
Brad Fittler in full flight during the touch game against Nathan Hindmarsh. PHOTO: Liam Warren
"We just hope that it is able to compete with the other things in their life whether it be the games or the phones, we just need to keep getting them out and giving them a taste of everything."
The highlight of the afternoon for the kids saw a touch game between Fittler and Hindmarsh, and it was clear there is still a competitive edge between the two.
"It was disappointing that Hindy got three tries and I didn't get one. The competitive thing never dies it must be in the genes," he said.
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