Year 1 and 2 students from Cowra Public School, Mulyan Public School and St Raphael’s took part in some basic skills sessions at River Park before teenagers from local schools were invited to take part in a more advanced lesson. 

“These are the very basic skills for these young ones here today,” Hindmarsh said.

“...these kids here are only in Year 1 and Year 2 so only just the basic skills, play the balls, passing the ball backwards, that type of stuff so just give them a bit of an introduction lesson.”

Hindmarsh said he enjoyed being back out in the country and that visiting Cowra gave him the opportunity to visit family. 

“It’s good to be back in Cowra, I like Cowra, I get to come out here every so often and visit the brother at the farm,” he said. 

“It’s a nice town, I enjoy it.”

He said it's great he has the chance to visit kids in rural areas, who don’t have the same opportunities as their city counterparts. 

“They don’t have the access to what the kids do in the city,” he said. 

“The city is full of rugby league teams in Sydney and they get to see them quite often, they get to go to games on the weekend. 

He said the purpose of visit was to hopefully get kids participating in rugby league. 

“It’s just a way to keep them engaged in the game, hopefully encourage them to play the game as well,” he said. 

“This is where it all starts for everyone, there’s so many country kids who play in the NRL and this is where it all started for them.” 

“I love coming out to rural areas like Cowra and giving a bit back.” 

As for his beloved Eels, Hindmarsh believes they have the skill and strength to be a top eight side. 

“They had a rough year last year with what went on with the salary cap and some off field issues but having Corey Norman back, he missed the last eight weeks of the season last year, it’s added that little bit more to the side.”

“They are looking good, only round one but I think they will be a top eight side for sure.”