Bolton Park came alive on Thursday to celebrate the strong Indigenous link with the sport.

There were Indigenous dancing, face painting, language lessons all alongside rugby league skills.

NRL game development officer Cameron Woo said it was an important day.

“It’s aimed at getting students in to celebrate Indigenous culture and link it in with rugby league as well,” Woo said. “They go through a range of rugby league activities and then do cultural stations as well.

“Different providers from throughout the region make the day come together.”

One of the highlights was a special dance involving all the students led by Dan Jefferies.

It was the second year it has been run in Wagga and the city saw the culmination of a series of days which saw around 2000 students from across the region take part.

Former NRL player Dean Widders also delivered an important message to students.

“He’s an Indigenous player who has done really well and speaks to the children and really emphasises the importance of the things outside rugby league and how they can contribute to success on the sporting arena as well,” Woo said.

“It is really beneficial to all the kids.”