It took the form of a question-and-answer session with the players, covering what it’s like to play in the NRL, growing up playing footy, and family.

One inquiry they were keen to sidestep – but got a good reaction - was whether they’d ever faked an injury to get a penalty.

When asked about whether there were any disadvantages to coming from the country Aubusson, from Ballina, said he could recall playing carnivals as youngster in “hand-me downs” against city players with all the fancy gear.

But none of that mattered, because of the love of playing footy trumped all of that.

Finucane, who grew up in Bega and currently plays for the Melbourne Storm said it’s a shame that this weekend’s fixture is the final Country v City match because it takes the game to areas that wouldn’t normally get to see rugby league at this level.

“It’s important to come out here because the kids don’t usually get to see NRL, Newcastle or Sydney would be the closest places if they wanted to go and watch a game,” he said.

“So the fact that this is right at their doorstep and to have an opportunity like this is really good.

“And losing the Country v City game is obviously going to be really sad, especially for kids like these who won’t have that exposure to it any more.”

He added that the time at Mudgee High School and giving the students the chance to ask some questions was also valuable.

“They can find out a bit more about us and we can give them a little bit more in-depth information into the life of a rugby league player and what it takes,” he said.

“And what it entails, some of the kids in there spoke about playing NRL and maybe wanting to do it in the future, and this is a way they can learn a bit more about things like the sacrifices you make.

“[Growing up in a country area] you have to travel around quite a bit, Mitch spoke about going to Sydney and country championships are a lot further away from everyone as well, so that’s a big component for us.”