The hero worship flows both ways as the New South Wales Blues take their training session to flood-stricken Lismore.
The team has made a temporary home base at Kingscliff, just south of the Queensland border, in the lead-up to next week's State of Origin decider in Brisbane.
But in a region still reeling from the effects of a catastrophic natural disaster, Blues coach Brad Fittler visited Lismore this week as the first stop on the itinerary.
"I think Lismore has been a great example, and it's a great opportunity for us to come here and see it first hand about the spirit," he told an adoring crowd of several hundred football fans.
"That's exactly what we talk about with our footy team."
Flood hero recognised for saving lives
The players were happy to hand over their training shirts to young fans after a barefoot session on the saturated Oakes Oval surface.
But there was a signed jersey reserved for local man Vincent Marychurch in recognition of his efforts during the February 28 mass rescue in Lismore.
"The boys just presented me with a new shirt signed by the team, and it's brilliant. I've got a new shirt now," he said.
"I might wear it on the night of the game. Then I think it's going on the wall.
Mr Marychurch said they rescued "somewhere between 30 and 50 plus cats and dogs."
He said the Blues' visit was just what the community needed.
"It's brilliant," Mr Marychurch said.
"The town is starting to put things back together, a lot of people are trying to remain positive, and this is a really good uplift for the town."
Team visit morale booster
That sentiment was echoed by local woman Vanessa McKenzie, who was one of the first to arrive at the ground.
"I am a diehard Panthers fan, and I love the NRL and State of Origin," she said.
"They are out here to lift our spirits, and it's something that we've all been looking forward to.
Flood damage 'devastating'
Blues debutant Jordan McLean said driving through the city and hearing from Lismore city Council Mayor Steve Krieg made the trip unforgettable.
"The effect that floods have had here and still ongoing 16 weeks later after, it's devastating to look at, "Mr McLean said.
"Steve, the mayor, said they don't have running hot water and fridges and all the rest of it, so it just puts everything in perspective.
