To strengthen ties between country rugby league and the elite game, the Telstra Footy Country Series came to the Central Coast last month ahead of the clash between the Roosters and the Bulldogs at Industree Group Stadium, Gosford, on June 22.
Telstra hosted a community-based initiative at Terrigal Junior Football Club where members were invited for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet NRL stars, take photos with the premiership cup, and take part in a coaching clinic.
Roosters stars James Tedesco, Jared Waerea-Hargraves, Victor Radley, and Billy Smith dropped past Brendan Franklin Oval to host the coaching clinic and hand deliver the Terrigal Sharks junior football club with a Telstra Footy Pack including new hit shields, tackling bags, and other football equipment to inspire the next generation of NRL stars.
The premiership trophy was also on display at the clinic and was a huge hit.
“I love it so much (the Telstra Footy Country Series),” Radley said.
“It reminds me of being a kid at Burrows Park where I played junior football and I remember players coming down and it’s the highlight of your year.
“The Telstra (Footy Country Series) means a lot … to see Telstra putting time into the young kids here and inviting us to give back a little bit.
“There are young boys and girls here that will be the future of the rugby league, and it means more as well in country towns.
“It’s absolutely awesome.”
Telstra NRL Partnership Manager Esther Chand was also at Brendan Franklin Oval to award the selected Telstra Footy Country Hero, bestowing the honour on Dennis Foley from the Toukley Hawks Rugby League Football Club to acknowledge his unwavering commitment and dedication to the grassroots footy country.
The Telstra Footy Country Hero aims to celebrate the unsung heroes of local footy clubs.
Foley serves as the Club Gear Steward, ensuring that their players are equipped with the necessary gear and uniforms for training and matches.
“Telstra has been backing the NRL for 20 plus years,” Chand said.
“Telstra Footy Country Series is a new initiative in 2024 celebrating the love of the game in regional communities all around Australia, strengthening the deep bonds between country rugby league and the elite game.
“It brings joy to my face to see juniors interact with their idols.”
To recognise his dedication to community footy, Foley tossed the coin on behalf of Telstra at the Roosters versus Bulldogs match on June 22.
To further give back to the Central Coast footy country community, junior rugby league clubs Budgewoi Bulldogs, Wyong Roos, Ourimbah Wyoming Magpies and Woy Woy Roosters were invited for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be on-field at half-time and form a guard of honour.