Hogs for the Homeless rode into Leeton on Friday in what has been lauded as a “hugely successful evening for all involved”. 

Famous NRL faces including Brad Fittler, Danny Buderus, Josh Perry and Tim Brasher roared into town to raise awareness for Father Chris Riley’s Youth Off the Streets program. 

Leeton Junior Rugby League’s Allan “Jacko” Jackson said he saw the sport as an escape for a lot of young people.

“It was great to be able to contribute to the program. While kids are playing rugby league, they’re probably not out doing other things they maybe shouldn’t be doing,” he said. 

“Running around with a team of mates is healthy. It gives a bit of structure and it’s a lot of fun.” 

As part of the event, the players dropped into town to watch Leeton’s young guns on the football field and participated in a meet and greet before stopping to chat about the issue of youth homelessness. 

Mr Jackson said the junior tournament attracted a crowd of thousands 

“There was more people there than we could have imagined or expected. I’d say there was anywhere between two and three thousand people watching the kids play on Friday afternoon,” he said. 

An under 12s and 14s nines competition was held at the town ovals, followed by a BBQ and meet and greet. 

“It was all worth it to see kid’s faces as footy’s got handed out and as they got to keep their guernseys. It meant so much to them and to see so many people turn up,” he said. 

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Over 350 people showed up to the evening function, where the group sold raffle tickets for a Harley Davidson to raise money for Youth off the Streets. 

Youth Off the Streets work to provide safe accommodation, education and alcohol and drug rehabilitation to young people who are at risk or in need. 

In partnership with NSW Rugby League, they have raised over $600,000 as part of the Hogs for the Homeless initiative through fundraising and visits to regional communities. 

Mr Jackson said the event has the added benefit of promoting Rugby League and the community around it.

“Our registrations have skyrocketed for the start of the season. We’re probably on target in terms of a record year of numbers,” he said. 

He also paid tribute to everyone who helped pitch in or promoted the event. 

“We had guys from the senior side to help mark out fields and there are a lot of people behind the scenes who need to be thanked.”