All Stars wow local schools at gala day

More than 1400 children from 23 different schools got to rub shoulders with some of their NRL All Stars heroes on Thursday, as part of a packed gala day at Rotorua Intermediate School. 

Players and staff from the Indigenous and Māori women's, men's and touch football squads visited throughout the day, helping run skill activities and spending time with kids and whānau (family).

Students in attendance also took part in cultural workshops, which included learning a haka and Indigenous dances. 

Among the most popular guests was NRL great Greg Inglis, who is in camp as part of the staff for the Indigenous squads. 

"When you look around and see all the kids with the smiles on their faces, it’s priceless," Inglis said. 

"So many kids turned out, it was a great community event."

Indigenous forward Shaniah Power said her side had discussed the importance of attending community events while in New Zealand, and ensuring they take time to enjoy the unique opportunity the trip presents. 

"It's so special to be part of this day. Only 18 of us in the squad get to have this experience, to come and spend time with these kids," she said. 

"I had a kid come up to me and say 'hey Shaniah, can I get an autograph?' and I was taken aback that these kids from another country know us and watch us.

It's really awesome to have the chance to do this stuff.

Shaniah Power 

The gala day was supported by staff from the Warriors Community Foundation, who had earlier in the week run their own school activations in Rotorua. 

NRL school participation and projects coordinator for NSW, Jonathon Dallas, said community engagements like the gala day are at the heart of the NRL Harvey Norman All Stars concept.  

"It's the opportunity give young kids and young rugby league players a chance to interact with stars they typically would only see on TV otherwise," Dallas said. 

"Being able to deliver that is heartwarming, and I had a number of players speak to me about how much they enjoyed it too."