Taylor and Roberts spoke to students from Years seven to 10 about the effects of smoking as well as the importance of education, health and respect, while also sharing stories of when they were growing up.

Roberts told the kids he was the first of his family to complete Year 12, labeling it a highlight of his life.

“[Education] was very important. I moved away when I was 14. I moved to Newcastle to pursue an education and a career. I was the first one in my family to finish High School in Year 12,” Roberts said.

“Football came second to me then. I challenged myself to complete Year 12 and get an education. And it’s one of the highlights of my career.”

WACHS and Quit B Fit worker Rikka Lamb-Lane informed students that most regular smokers begin smoking as teenagers, during a presentation about the dangers of cigarettes and benefits of not smoking.

“Tobacco smoking is the largest single cause of death and disease in Australia. There are approximately 19,000 smoking related deaths each year,” she explained.

“Fourty-nine percent of Indigenous people smoke compared to 13 percent of the Australian population.

“Cigarettes were responsible for 89 percent of all drug related deaths in 2004 to 2005.”

Titans halfback Ashley Taylor told students he wished he completed Year 12. “I’m a third year apprentice carpenter, juggling full-time rugby league,” Taylor said.

“It’s very important for you guys to finish Year 12. I wish it’s something I did. I loved going to school and hanging out with mates and to get a qualification at the end of it would mean a lot.”

Plenty of giveaways were offered to students throughout the hour-long presentation.

WACHS handed out footballs, beanies, caps and shirts for kids involved in the popular kids versus teachers dance-off, which Roberts also got involved in, and for interacting throughout the presentation.