Three players from the Panthers’ National Rugby League squad, Michael Gordon, Chris Armit and Tim Grant together with Vaipuna Tiakilifi and Tony Satini from the National Youth Competition (under 20s), made the trip west to help reinforce the importance of reading at school.

Panthers star Michael Gordon said the visit was a good chance to give back to a region which has given plenty to the sport.

“You pretty much look at the majority of players that aren’t from the city and they’re from towns like this, in this sort of area. Any chance you get to come out and give a little bit back is great,” Gordon said.

“We’re starting to do a lot more (community stuff). It’s mainly just in the local Penrith area but when you get the chance to come out to a place like this it’s always exciting.

“I remember when I was growing up in a small town on the coast whenever you have footy players or high profile sportspeople in town the whole place was just a buzz. If we can generate that feeling, then its awesome. Kids see players on the TV and, when you get to see them in person, you realise that they’re just normal people with likes and interests similar to themselves.”

While visiting the schools in the area, Gordon said they were endorsing the importance of reading.

“A lot of the kids these days play the playstations, watch TV and forget about the significance that reading has in our lives and so we have been encouraging them to read more. We’ve done a little bit of secondary stuff of Dream, Believe, Achieve which encourages kids to pursue their dreams and not be limited by where they live.”

The Panthers stopped in at Cowra High where they ran a small clinic on passing, tackling and goal kicking techniques.

Aided by ARL development officer Michael Armstrong, students ran through a variety of drills used by NRL clubs.

“A lot of the things that is being taught at the academies out here is the same as the NRL,” Armstong said.

“The difference is that the NRL focus on a particular skill and practice for an extended period of time.”

Following the Western Rams under 18s side winning the Country Championships last year, eight players were picked up by clubs and four of them are with Penrith; Toby Evans (Parkes), Cody Robins (Orange) and two boys from Bathurst, Brady Cheshire and Doug Hewitt.