Twenty lucky children were given a behind the scenes tour of Hunter Stadium and learnt skills from Newcastle Knight Jarrod Mullen as part of the McDonalds Jarrod Mullen Master Class on Tuesday.
The participants were winners of a competition run through McDonald’s local licensees to give children aged between eight and 12 the chance to experience a skills clinics run by Mullen and member of the Club’s junior development squad, Matt Lantry.
The exciting afternoon featured a unique tour of Hunter Stadium were the group explored the players’ inner sanctum- the dressing sheds and where they prepare for a match like physio rooms and ice bath areas.
They also had the chance to walk out onto he field to get a feel for what it’s like for players on match day.
Mullen said despite the rain pushing the activities inside, the group had plenty of fun in the team’s warm up area within the Stadium.
“We did all the skills we wanted to do and there were definitely some talented kids,” he said.
“The little girls loved it too so it was great to see them come out and show the boys up.
“I got to show them through the sheds today and see where the players sit, the ice baths and the massage tables.
“It’s something that they’ve never seen before so they were excited to see what the players get up to on game day.
Local McDonald’s licensee, Murray McKeough was thrilled to see the winners having so much fun and interacting with one of their heroes.
"It’s wonderful watching Jarrod and Matt out there,” he said.
"It’s a great experience for these kids...they are certainly enjoying themselves and I’m sure it’s something they will remember forever.
The Newcastle Knights general manager of community and sponsor relations, Wendy Carmichael said the Club was pleased to deliver the special day in conjunction with McDonalds.
“We’ve had a great relationship with McDonalds over a number of years and work with them through a number of community activities and through Ronald McDonald House as well,” she said.
