The junior Yass Magpies were treated to rugby league superstars on Tuesday, March 28 when two Canberra Raiders players dropped by Walker Park during an evening training session.
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Raiders’ halfback Blake Austin and hooker Kurt Baptiste – both 26 – provided a one-hour session of training drills and games with the keen juniors.
Baptiste, who is out of action until around mid-season due to injury, said the visit to Yass was a positive for the youngsters.
“It’s always great to help out juniors and small clubs. I enjoy it, it makes you remember when you were a junior, too,” Baptiste said.
He said the reception from juniors and parents was worth the effort.
“It’s a strong turnout today,” he said.
The visit was part of the Raiders’ community-involvement initiative, which regularly sends its players to tour regional areas to promote the game.
Naomi Jamieson, coach of the under 8s, praised the Raiders’ initiative to encourage players to spend time in places they would not normally visit.
“It’s not often this happens, where kids get to spend one-on-one time with the Raiders. It’s kind of them to spend time with each team. It’s been exciting and fantastic for the club and the boys who watch and idolise them,” she said.
The evening ended with a sausage sizzle.
