Eels make a special trip to Katherine

The 25-year-old second rower talked to children at Casuarina Street Primary about the importance of listening to their parents and teachers and trying hard at school.

“The kids are so excited to have one of the big star teams visit their school,” health and PE teacher Rodney Gregg said. 

“It is an opportunity for them to be up close and personal with a member of the NRL and gives them opportunities to learn new skills and play the sport they wouldn’t necessarily try.”

When Peni asked the students who wanted to grow up to be a league player, more than half the hands in the air belonged to girls. 

“The program is not just for boys, the girls love it and have a great time too,” Mr Gregg said.

Reigning champions of the Eels Cup, Katherine High School  will play St John’s Catholic College before the main game on Saturday night.

Katherine High School is one of eight high schools to compete in the cup and the only one not based in Darwin and since the competition began, have won it every single year.

Casuarina Street student Kane Albert will join 19 other students from across the Northern Territory on the hallowed turf of TIO Stadium after being announced as one of the winners of the PARRA Medal.

The medal, which is presented by the Parramatta Eels, recognises the achievements of NT students in the classroom and on the sporting field, and is based on the principles of preparation, attitude, respect, responsibility and achievement​.

Casuarina Street was one of 20 schools asked to choose a recipient for the medal, with Year student 5 student Kane Albert securing the honour. 

“He won it for his persistence in class, his never say die attitude and his willingness to try new things,” Mr Gregg said.

Although Peni will not be playing in Saturday night’s clash due to injury, Cowboy’s player Johnathan Thurston may still play.

The veteran Maroon’s player sat out of Origin I after a shoulder injury and is now racing the clock to recover in time for game two.