USING rugby league star power as an avenue to empower local youth and raise money to get them off the streets is the aim of a charity motor bike ride currently touring the state.
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NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler and a host of rugby league greats including Danny Buderus and Nathan Hindmarsh revved into Scone on Tuesday morning as part of the seventh annual Hogs For The Homeless tour.
The group kicked off the day participating in a Fit for Life PCYC boxing session at Tamworth, before a brief stop at Scone Grammar and Scone High School on their way to Orange for a footy clinic in the afternoon.
Local students had the chance to not only meet the greats of the sport but ask questions, receive autographs and get a photo.
For the first time this year, the league legends partnered with the NSW Police and the PCYC to grow the relationship they have with local communities.
Pointing out that the Scone Thoroughbreds were “perhaps the most successful rugby league club in Australia, winning the most premierships”, the group spoke about the importance of staying motivated, fit and joining your local club.
Fittler specifically spoke about alcoholism and the addiction to technology facing today’s youth.
“I’d encourage kids today to be really careful with their phones,” he said.
“What too much use of technology does is cause you to be distracted, low self esteem – all these things that as you grow up are really important.
“And, what sport gives you is it makes your body healthy because you’re running around, making it work and you’re also in a team environment.”
Fittler said the tour was all about getting out into the country, spreading the love of rugby league and talking about Father Chris Riley’s Youth off the Streets program.
“I first met Father Chris when I lived near Kings Cross and I used to work on one of his food vans,” Fittler said.
“He tries to get to kids when they’re teenagers and tries to redirect them.
“Part of this tour is us getting around and making them aware that if you happen to fall down a bad path there are people around you that will look after you.”
Since Fittler started Hogs For The Homeless in 2013, the initiative has raised almost $700,000 for Youth off the Streets to help disadvantaged youth.