There were plenty of smiling faces as the Hogs for the Homeless crew rolled into Solar Mad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
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Despite the warm weather, there were plenty of up-and-coming juniors who were keen to take on the might of Brad Fittler, Nathan Hindmarsh, Boyd Cordner and NSW Women's Origin coach Kylie Hilder.
Seeing the kids with massive smiles was all the reward that Nathan Hindmarsh needed after a long ride to Griffith.
"We were really excited about that because some of the places we go to, there is a smaller turnout," Hindmarsh said.
"We were a bit late today, but they all hung around for us and hopefully they enjoyed themselves as much as we did.
"I haven't been to Griffith since I was here with the Eels way back in the day, so it is good to be back, and the kids enjoyed it, which is the main thing. It was a great turnout on a Sunday as well."
Hindmarsh said it is still a special feeling to see the kids excited by their presence.
"It is a good feeling because sure Freddy is the NSW coach, and he is still out and about, but when kids ask for an autograph and know that I played for the Eels, it is a good feeling since I retired 10 years ago," Hindmarsh said.
"There are always a couple of smart-ass ones that ask where my premiership is, but I'm used to that by now."
For Fittler, he can see the benefits of heading out the rural areas to pass on his wealth of knowledge.
"This is something that I see as part of my job to go around when I have time," Fittler said.
"What I find is that the more I do things like this, the better players are, and they push through and make the top players better. It is a long system, but the system works."
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Women's Rugby League has been a growth area in recent years, and Hilder was ecstatic to see so many girls getting involved at the clinic.
"Our numbers for women's rugby league is increasing every year, and we are up to 20,000 now," Hilder said.
"I think women have always wanted to play rugby league, and it is probably now just that we are giving the opportunity to do so.
"It's changing the mindset of some of our regions and areas and groups to get some women's comps up and running."
The stars also attended the Group 20 Awards night.
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