Emirates Western Force stars Matt Hodgson and Sam Wykes are the toast of the Pilbara region after flying in for the ‘Bloody Slow Cup’ festival in Newman last week.

The pair was accompanied by RugbyWA development staff, local police personnel and WA Department of Sport & Recreation representatives on a week-long venture into the region to spread the word about rugby and the Emirates Western Force.

The players visited remote communities, primary schools and conducted numerous coaching and ‘Walla Rugby’ sessions, which proved immensely popular with scores of star-struck local children.

The duo were also on hand to take part in the activities at the once annual rugby match, ‘The Bloody Slow Cup’, which is run by the Newman Police and pits Australians and Kiwis from the local region against each other in the name of community spirit.

The match was born as a tribute and a Police Legacy fundraising event in honour of four police officers whose lives were tragically lost in an aeroplane accident in the region in 2001.

For the record, the New Zealanders proved too strong for the Australians, running out 31-7 victors, however the day was once again hailed a resounding success by all involved.

Newman Police Senior Sergeant, Geoff Stewart, said the assistance of the Emirates Western Force players and RugbyWA development staff contributed to a successful event.

“The Emirates Western Force boys were absolutely brilliant throughout the entire week,” said Stewart.

“Both players represented their team and sport with outstanding professionalism and have left the community extremely pleased and excited after their visits, especially the schools,” he said.

“The Legacy families (who lost loved ones in the 2001 accident) were overwhelmingly appreciative of their contribution to the event and the community, and for helping to keep the spirit of the boys alive.”

Emirates Western Force flanker Matt Hodgson said visiting the tiny indigenous communities around the region was a touching experience.

“The kids just absolutely loved having the opportunity to get out and run around with a footy and it was a real eye-opener to see the way they live in such remote communities,” said Hodgson.

“At the first school we visited, one of the aboriginal elders dropped the students at the oval where we had set up for the coaching clinic and I’ll never forget the sight of 30 children jumping out of one Pajero and running towards us to grab the rugby balls,” he said.

“That and the Bloody Slow Cup, which all the locals really get behind and support, will always stick in my mind. It was just a fantastic experience.”