The local junior rugby league club hosted its annual NRL clinic – and along for the visit was Newcastle Knights great Danny Buderus.

“It is a wonderful club,” he said.

“I am passionate about finding potential first grade players here.”

And, with 250 kids aged between six and 12 years old signing up to take part, there is every chance some rising stars were among the group.

As well as talking to the youngsters, sharing stories and answering questions, Mr Buderus ran a session for the teenage players, and a coaching session for the Group 21 seniors when he was in the area on Monday.

He also spoke with the Muswellbrook Chronicle about former Aberdeen player Alex McKinnon, who has recently moved into a spinal rehabilitation centre.

“It’s a shock to see that kind of thing happen,” Mr Buderus said.

“He has been working hard to get to the next stage (of recovery).”

Round 19, July 18 to 20, of the NRL season has been dedicated to the Alex McKinnon Foundation, dubbed the RiseForAlex round.

Mr McKinnon’s club, the Newcastle Knights, will take on the Gold Coast Titans at home on Sunday, July 20.

A group of kids from the Aberdeen Junior Rugby League Club will also play in a curtain-raiser game to support their hometown hero.