The popular sporting identities made their first trip to the city yesterday to promote underwear giant Davenport's new Australia Day range.

After arriving almost 45 minutes late, and donning their own Davenport favourites, the famous pair spoke to the 400-strong crowd, took part in a fierce game of tug of war and signed hundreds of autographs for their many young fans.

After going in as favourites, Rice's team came out victorious in the tug of war challenge with the glamour girl of the pool admitting to a "competitive" nature.

Both Rice and Sullivan gave their team of lucky volunteers, selected from the excited crowd, the tick of approval, with the stunning world-record holder declaring her team looked "toned and strong".

Sullivan admitted, while recovering from his fifth bout of hip surgery, Rice had the advantage.

"I have a dodgy hip, I don't want to do anything to hurt it and Steph is very strong," he laughed.

"It's great to have so many people come out to watch and visit."

Wagga teenage swimming sensation Hannah Hobson was one of four members of Sullivan's team, and she relished the chance.

"He is really hot and he is on our team, yay," she said.

"They are definitely my idols and it has been great to have the chance to meet them."

Rice said Davenport is the perfect fit for her personality, and she enjoys the opportunity to meet fans while performing her duties.

"It's a great way to mix up the routine," she said.

"This is a really busy time but it's good to do fun things like this."

Rice and Sullivan flew out of Wagga at 1.30pm after the brief visit to the city.