The Newcastle Knights journeyed out to the Hunter Valley on Wednesday with Dane Gagai, Jack Stockwell, Mickey Paea, Luke Yates and Lachlan Fitzgibbon visiting regional schools as part of the 2016 NRL Community Carnival.
Kurri Kurri, Pelaw Main, Weston, Abermain, Aberdeen and Scone were all on the itinerary, with messages of health and wellbeing for students the focus.
“It’s good to get out and share the message of wellbeing in the community,” Queensland representative Gagai told Knights TV after his visit to Pelaw Main Primary School.
“I just get a buzz out of it, coming down and mucking around with kids and helping them learn about life in general.”
Healthy eating and hydration, adequate sleep and the importance of having a sense of belonging were the most important messages delivered to children, with players sharing personal stories about how taking care of these things affects their lives as well as their performances on the field.
“It’s just about educating the students on those basic things in life,” Stockwell explained.
“For example, primary school kids need 11 hours of sleep a day and most people don’t know that.”
The Club will continue to visit local schools throughout the month of February.
