Blues State of Origin coach Brad Fittler will cap a successful season for the NSWRL with a hogs ride throughout regional NSW to promote rugby league registrations opening for the 2022 season.
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Fittler will be joined on the ride by Sky Blues coach Kylie Hilder, former Blues Nathan Hindmarsh and Steve Menzies and NSWRL officiating development co-ordinator and former NRL referee Gavin Badger for the seven-day ride which will take in 24 towns, seven football clinics, two referees clinics and more than 3000 kilometres.
The football clinics will be held at Sanctuary Point's Francis Ryan Reserve on Thursday, December 2 from 3.30-4.30pm.
Earlier that day, which marks their departure date from Pyrmont, Fittler and his team will stop in at Kiama Public School at 10am to present Sheree Payne her NRL Community Teacher of the Year Award.
Following this, the team will make stops at Jindabyne, Wagga Wagga, Griffith, Gulgong, Kurri Kurri and Campbelltown.
"It's been another challenging year for NSW because of the COVID-19 pandemic and I'm keen to get back on the bike and get around the state to see how everyone is going," Fittler said.
"I love talking to all NSW fans about the Blues and we've got plenty to celebrate this year after becoming the first team in history to win a series after all three games were played in Queensland.
"It was also a great season for the NSWRL with more people signing up to play the game than the pre-COVID year of 2019.
"It's important that we keep that momentum going for next season."
It is the first time Fittler has toured regional NSW since February, when he combined with Gotcha 4 Life founder Gus Worland and former Blues Luke Lewis and Beau Scott, to deliver a message about the importance of mental fitness to high school students.
Fittler and Hindmarsh, along with Ian Schubert, conceived Hogs for the Homeless in 2013 which has raised more than $760,000 for Father Chris Riley's Youth off the Streets.
The most recent rides have focussed on other important issues, including mental fitness.
Spots are filling fast for the football clinics but you can guarantee your place by registering, with positions still available at Jindabyne, Griffith and Gulgong.
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