While the focus of the NRL world remains largely on that of all the action set to happen on the field in Auckland this weekend, the Sharks have taken the time to give back to members of Queensland communities, far away from the bright lights of Eden Park.
Sharks NRL squad Members Connor Tracey, Jayden Walker, Junior Roqica and Jesse Sene-Lefao flew North of the border on Thursday, visiting schools and communities in the Ipswich region to deliver many messages of health, wellbeing and positivity.
"Being away from the Shire, and getting the chance to visit different schools has been awesome," Sene-Lefao said.
"Each community has been really welcoming . Sharing the message of wellbeing, healthy eating, time after footy, achieving goals, and the belief to get there ... I can already see it has helped the kids up here,
"It's a rewarding experience, there's a real raw 'Rugby League vibe' throughout the town. Sharing what we stand for has really meant a lot to those we've visited."
With the Sharks & NRL Community Blitz running both yesterday (Thursday) and today, the four Sharks will visit a total of nine schools, while also mixing and mingling with the game's future stars at #PlayNRL clinics held at JRL clubs.
"It's been great to get out and teach some of the basic skills of our game to the kids up here," Sene-Lefao added.
"It's well publicised that the Jets won the (Intrust Super Cup) Competition up here last year, there's definitely a lot of up-and-coming talent in the region.
"Seven players from the Ipswich team were rewarded with a full time contract, so the talent up here is growing. Having Josh (Cleeland) and Kurt (Capewell) at the Sharks means the relation can only be a good thing going forward for the Club."
