The NRL has joined the Royal Australian Air Force to give residents of Western NSW a taste of what it takes to thrive on and off the field.
The Air Force hosted a community event at the Gilgandra Aerodrome earlier this month, with hundreds of locals turning out to board a C-130J Hercules aircraft and engage with NRL ambassadors.
Former stars Kevin Naiqama, Joseph Paulo and Chase Stanley met with budding rugby league players, while the NRL's community team put juniors through their paces with a League Stars Inspire Clinic.
The event was held to coincide with the start of Indigenous Round, and Air Force Indigenous Liaison Officer Sergeant Ron Schultz said it's vital for First Nations youngsters to see the opportunities rugby league and the Air Force can provide.
"It's inspiring," Schultz said. "It worked out well that it was in Indigenous Round. It means a lot for the people of this region to see the NRL and Air Force making events like this happen.
"As a proud Wiradjuri and Ngunnawal man, it's inspiring to see our people out there and doing great things and it's great for kids to see that.
"It's great to showcase the work the NRL does in this space. Last year we had Cliff Lyons and Mahalia Murphy come out with us and they've done some work with the School to Work program.
"To bring those ambassadors out to Gilgandra shows this partnership is an ongoing commitment. It can continue to give back to the community and inspire young ones. It's not just here but everywhere we go and the NRL goes as well."
The ljmpta.community team ran a number of activities throughout the community event, with supporter merchandise handed out to those in attendance.
The League Stars Inspire Clinic combined rugby league drills with teamwork, belonging and inclusion to equip children with crucial skills necessary to thrive on and off the field.
The NRL ambassadors and Air Force aviators also joined in a game of touch football, with many locals viewing it as a highlight of the day.
While the event was a relatively relaxed affair, Schultz said the opportunity to mingle with former NRL players and Air Force aviators left a lasting impression on those in attendance.
"It's hugely important to share your stories of where you've come from," Schultz said. "That inspires those kids in small communities and they can see other people come from these regions and have success.
"Those little conversations let them know. While it might not show it then and there, it switches a light that gives them the self-belief. That's important.
"This is the second time we've been to Gilgandra and continuously showing up, not just every couple of years, says a lot and means a lot to the communities as well."
