The visit was incorporated with an ARL Junior Football Clinic being held at Myall Park Oval.

160 children from Tea Gardens, Karuah and Bulahdelah attended the free clinic and were over the moon when Daniel Tolar, Danny Buderus and Chris Bailey arrived in the Westpac Helicopter to show their support.

The football clinic was organised by ARL national development officer, Helene O'Neill, who liaised with the recently formed Myall Junior Rugby League Club to ensure the day was a success.

The clinic was designed to generate interest in rugby with juniors, and in doing so, it also generated interest in the local Junior Football Club.

School students from Years 3 – 6 were invited to attend and they were all excited to meet the players; some even dressed for the occasion, in red and blue and got decked out in their Knights gear.

There was lots of enthusiasm when Daniel, Chris and Danny stepped out of the helicopter and onto the field.

This is the first time the Newcastle Knights have visited the area and they said they were proud to support Junior League.

Ms O'Neill explained that these types of clinics were organised quite often, however this was a first for Hawks Nest.

"We try to get the players out to meet kids from rural type areas and places where the children may not have had these types of opportunities before.

"The players are flown in courtesy of the Westpac Helicopter, with whom they have formed a great affiliation.

"It is a fantastic experience for the kids to see their heroes and learn more about the game in general," Ms O'Neill said.

* Footy season is now in full swing and Myall River Junior Rugby League Club played their first trial game this week.