The Parramatta Eels got an education of their own when they visited the School of the Air during their pre-season training camp in Alice Springs.
Eels players visited the School of the Air on Thursday, one of two such education centres in the territory which offers a wide range of services and activities to isolated school children.
Most students who attend the school live on cattle stations, but also come from indigenous communities, mining camps, road houses and national parks.
Learning is via satellite broadband to the students from pre-school to Year 9 in order to give the children the best education possible.
"We have students that mainly live in the Northern Territory, but some also over the borders and into Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia," said principal Kerrie Russell.
"These are kids that live so far away schools and towns, that the only way they can do their schooling is to be part of School of the Air."
While the kids got an enormous lift from their rare chance to meet NRL players, Eels hooker Cameron King said it was an eye-opening experience for the blue and gold squad.
"To come here with a bit more of a relaxed environment and to be able to go around to the schools to make a difference and give the kids something that they don't have access to, is special for them, but it's pretty special for us," King said.
