NRL encourages South West children to be ‘Simply Your Best’ as part of Road to Regions program

Representatives from the NRL encouraged children in the South West to be “Simply Your Best” this week as part of the league’s Road to Regions program. Six primary schools around the region were visited by either WA-raised Paramatta player Kennedy Cherrington — a Rockingham Sharks junior who is now starring in the NRLW and representative football — or former NRL star Trent Hodkinson. The theme of the program used the long-time competition anthem by Tina Turner to encourage students to reflect on what they needed to do to be at their best in all facets of their lives. Cherrington said being an ambassador for the sport in her home State was a source of great pride. “To be able to have the opportunity to come home and grow the game, it’s special. It’s something I’m very passionate about,” she said. “The kids love having a footy in their hand. It’s the smiles on their face that make my day. “There is talent here ... there is a bit of competition, but I think the more kids we introduce to these programs, I think that’s the best way to show them the rugby league ball is the one they should pick.” NRL general manager of community programs Nicola Skinner said the visibility the program provided to rugby league was invaluable. “We think and we look and we consult really hard about which locations we go into,” she said. “There’s a few factors that come into play, where the game hasn’t been able to go to for a while, where they would benefit from some excitement and connection and some smiles. “Part of it is where we’d love to grow the game in the future as well, and there’s some pockets of real rugby league love here in Bunbury.”