YEAR five and six students at Sir Henry Parkes Memorial Public School were put through their paces last Friday when they were visited by two members of the Australian Rugby League (ARL) development team.
For an hour the men from Warwick took the students through some of the basic rugby league skills and training exercises.
The children learnt how to throw and catch a football, tackle and how to weave in and out on the field.
Development officer with the Darling Downs ARL branch Len Curry said he was impressed by the skills and enthusiasm shown by all the students, especially among the girls
“The aim of the day is for the kids to have fun and learn a bit about rugby league,” Mr Curry said.
“I travel to a lot of different schools and I don’t think I’ve seen so many girls get in and give it and have a go. Usually they hang back but these girls got in there, throwing and tackling all over the place. I think they had fun.
“Rugby league is a great sport, it teaches them teamwork and a range of other skills and once they get involved the kids get a lot out of it”.
Class teacher Debbie Thomas said the exercise provided her students with new skills and the chance to interact with each other outside the classroom.
The visit to Tenterfield coincided with the Border Bears junior rugby league sign on.
Mr Curry said he hoped some of the students would be inspired to sign up to the club for the upcoming season.