League legends Brad Fittler and GregInglis inspire Tweed youth on charity ride

NRL legends Brad Fittler and Greg Inglis rolled into Tweed Heads PCYC this week after travelling hundreds of kilometres on motorbikes as part of the annual HOGS Tour.

Established in 2013, the tour raised funds for Father Chris Riley’s Youth Off The Streets program for the homeless while promoting grassroots rugby league across regional communities.

The initiative sees former and current rugby league stars ride through regional NSW and Queensland, delivering coaching clinics and education sessions to young players while connecting with local communities.

Fittler and Inglis both played for Australia and in State of Origin Series, with Fittler going on to coach NSW between 2018 and 2023.

They were joined at Tweed Heads by NRLW players Yasmin Clydesdale and Olivia Higgins, with Dale Finucane and Jada Taylor set to take part in the second leg of the tour.

Fittler, who has been involved every year since the tour began, said the experience continues to highlight the importance of regional rugby league.

“The NRL HOGS National Tour has grown into something really special over the years, and every time we hit the road, we’re reminded of how much these regional communities mean to rugby league,” Fittler said.

“Kids turn up in huge numbers, families get involved, and whole towns rally around the game. That’s why we couldn’t wait to get back out there again this year and connect with the people who keep our game strong.”

This year’s tour covers 7,500 kilometres, stretching from Bundaberg in Queensland to Cooma in southern NSW and across to Warrnambool in Victoria.

Supported by Westpac, the tour visits 20 towns, hosting clinics and PCYC events aimed at inspiring participation and providing young people with access to high-profile role models.

Westpac general manager of retail banking Damian MacRae said the partnership helps bring elite-level rugby league experiences to regional areas.

“What excites us is the chance to give young people in regional towns a close-up experience with rugby league, sharing the passion and excitement of the game beyond the big cities,” he said.

“Sport brings people together, and the HOGS Tour is about celebrating our regions and inspiring participation in the game at all levels with access to role models like Brad.”