The St George Illawarra Dragons’ presentation to Cooerwull Public School students on Wednesday, February 21, was made extra special by the presence of two former Cooerwull students who were also part of the visit.
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Jo Banning, former Hockeyroo, and now the Dragon’s publicity officer was Cooerwull school captain in 1988.
She has had many high profile jobs in sports media with Manchester United Football Club and the Australian Olympic Committee.
“My family still live here and I have nieces going to school in Lithgow,” Ms Banning said.
Steven Dean, who is employed as the Dragons’ physiotherapist, was also a Cooerwull house captain and champion tennis player.
He attended college the US at Charleston Southern on a tennis scholarship. Steven has also worked as a tennis coach in Alice Springs and Dubai.
They were both excited to be back at their primary school and said they remembered being taught by Ms Roberts who is still a teacher’s aide at the school.
Dragons players Nene Macdonald, Euan Aitken, Paul Vaughan and Josh Kerr shared some tips and tricks on well-being, nutrition and anti-bullying at Cooerwull Public School.
Dragons players visited Cooerwull, Lithgow and Wallerawang Public Schools in the lead up to the Westfund Charity Shield to be played in Mudgee on Saturday, February 24.
Centre Euan Aitken said he hoped to promote rugby league as a way for kids to get active.
“I’m also from a small country town so it’s good to come here and give back a bit, and put a smile on the kids’ faces.”
“I think rugby is a great way to meet friends, gives something focus on oitsuides chool and keeps them healthy and active as well.”
Aitken said he was feeling good about getting back on the field after a dislocated shoulder cut short his season with the Dragons in 2017.
“I just want to put all that behind me and put my best foot forward and hopefully be there at round 1 starting.”
