MORE than 100 kids and just as many adults sidestepped their way onto Boughton Oval on Monday afternoon to get some hands-on rugby league advice from some of the best in the business.

NRL legends Brad Fittler and Greg Inglis joined current NRL Women’s stars Yasmin Meakes and Olivia Higgins at Boughton Oval in Moree as part of the NRL HOGS national tour, a series of clinics rolled out across the eastern seaboard this month.

Brad “Freddy” Fittler, a celebrated five-eighth who won premierships with Penrith Panthers in 1991 and Sydney Roosters in 2002, represented Australia 38 times. He coached the Sydney Roosters from 2007-2009 and led the NSW Blues to three State of Origin series’ wins in 2018, 2019 and 2021.

Greg Inglis, inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame in 2024, is widely recognised as one of the greatest players of his generation.

He helped win three NRL premierships, played 39 Tests for Australia as well as 32 Origin games for Queensland.

Yasmin Meakes is a current NRLW player who captains the Newcastle Knights, and plays alongside Olivia Higgins.

The HOGS National Tour, presented by Westpac and led by Fittler, left Penrith at the weekend, and pulled into Gunnedah Sunday afternoon.

“It was fantastic at Gunnedah,” Fittler said.

“We had a clinic in the afternoon, which was awesome, with a heap of kids turning up.”

Fittler, a NSW PCYC ambassador, was impressed by the Boughton Oval roll-up, given drizzle and showers persisted during the day.

“It was a great afternoon, and the field was in good nick,” Fittler said.

“One thing I really noticed, is there were a lot of passionate coaches – some of the older kids and some of the parents, who are invested in the clubs.

“It was good to chat with them about coaching and the specifics of coaching.

“It’s fantastic every time we see so many kids knocking about like this. It’s a shame we don’t get the adults doing the same exercises – maybe next year,” he laughed.

The tour will travel to regional New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria in the next two or three weeks to celebrate rugby league in local communities and promote junior participation.

“The NRL HOGS national tour has grown into something really special over the years, and every time we hit the road we’re reminded of how much these regional communities mean to rugby league,” Fittler said.

“Kids turn up in huge numbers, families get involved, and whole towns rally around the game.

“That’s why we couldn’t wait to get back out there again this year and connect with the people who keep our game strong.

“We’ll also visit local businesses, PCYC Clubs and Westpac branches along the way to connect with the broader community.

“Westpac has backed this tour year after year, and we’re extremely grateful for their support in helping us bring it to life again in 2026.”

Sam Webster and Alex Roseby, from the Moree Westpac Service Centre, were on the sidelines on Monday to hand over $3000 worth of footballs to Moree Boars and Moree Boomerangs rugby league clubs.

“I’d like to thank Freddy and all the Hogs for coming out to Moree, and thanks for all they do for grassroots footy across the country,” Roseby said.

“It means a lot to everyone, not just the people here today, but the whole community.”

Moree Giants Junior Rugby League Club president Steve Cory said the HOGS’ visit was a big couple of days for Moree.

“It was great to have HOGS come to Moree, especially to do a clinic for the Moree Giants and all the kids,” Cory said.

“We had a wonderful turn-out, despite a bit of rain during the afternoon. A lot of people came down to see Brad and Greg, and they ran a few drills and fun games for the kids.

“It was especially pleasing to see a wide range of ages, from four-year-olds up to 18-year-olds.

“Moree is a big rugby league town. It was great to see this type of event organised for the whole community, and we hope to see more events like it in the future.

“It was also wonderful to get such a kind donation of footballs, and a lot of them, from Westpac,” Cory said.

The Moree leg of the tour included a visit to Moree PCYC and the Moree Westpac Service Centre Tuesday morning.

THE HOGS national tour will cover 7500 kilometres, from Bundaberg in Queensland to Cooma in New South Wales, and southward to Warrnambool in Victoria.

Across the journey, Fittler and his team will visit more than 20 heartland towns, deliver more than 15 community clinics, connect with PCYC clubs and Westpac branches, and stop at local businesses that represent the true spirit of rugby league.

The HOGS national rally was launched about 15 years ago, when a group of motorcycling NRL stars were recruited to raise money for Father Chris Riley’s incredible Youth off the Streets program.

“At the time, Laurie Daley was named coach of Origin and I was on his staff, and he came up with this idea to build up some interest,” Fittler said.

“Nathan Hindmarsh loves motorbikes, Ian Schoobert loves motorbikes, and I like motorbikes so we decided to get some blokes together.

“I chased up sponsors and we started raising money for Father Chris Riley. We went around country towns and ended up raising just under a million bucks,” Fittler said.

In the early days, the HOGS’ riders would sleep on the footy fields in each town.

“We’d take swags and sleep out. At the same time, NSW Rugby League and the NRL put some group training organisations together to have clinics at different towns, and that’s pretty much how it got set up,” Fittler said.

“We’d call people in the local clubs and organise functions, so we’d do a clinic with the kids and then do a function that night, and raise some money.”

Westpac general manager of retail banking, Damian MacRae, said the HOGS get to regional areas to share the passion and excitement of the game beyond the big cities.

“What excites us is the chance to give young people in regional towns a close-up experience with rugby league,” MacRae said.

“Sport brings people together, and the HOGS Tour is about celebrating our regions and inspiring participation in the game at all levels with access to role models like Brad.”

With Club Rugby League registrations open, HOGS will create an opportunity for young kids to test their skills, build confidence and make connections with local clubs, while promoting the importance of winter sport to stay active and build friendships.

Off the field, the HOGS national tour is designed to captivate, motivate, and celebrate the profound connection between rugby league and the community.

Collaborating with PCYC New South Wales, HOGS is set to provide a safe space to engage and empower young people. For more information, visit Play Rugby League HOGS Tour.