Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Cook Islands and Tonga players took timeout today to visit primary schools throughout Port Moresby ahead of the final weekend of competition in the inaugural SP Brewery Pacific Cup.
Papua New Guinea Kumuls players received a rousing reception from students at Ted Diro School while members of the Fiji side were overwhelmed with a huge response at the Coronation Primary School .
Fiji coach Terry Gilogely said the activity was a highlight for his players during their stay in Papua New Guinea .
"It was a powerful experience," Gilogely said.
"The players were just completely overwhelmed at the welcome they received.
"We really didn't expect the kids to be this excited but they were just ecstatic, it was great.
"The people here have been great to us so it's good to be able to give something back."
At Ted Diro, Kumuls stars and NRL referees met hundreds of boys and girls, who were given the opportunity to talk to their heroes, collect autographs and play touch rugby league.
The players and refs introduced themselves to the pupils aged 9-15, and were treated to a display of local dancing.
Referee Steve Clark presented headmistress Hane Opi with some playing kit for the students to use, before Kumuls stars including Charlie Wabo and George Moni played a game of touch football with a group of boys from the school, officiated by local referee Moses Tolingling.
"It's great to come out here and see all the kids, have a bit of fun with them and sign some autographs," said Kumuls hooker Jay Aston.
"It makes their day and it's amazing to see how passionate they are."
Opi said she was honoured that the Pacific Cup stars were able to take time out to visit the students ahead of Sunday's final.
"We're so excited to have the Kumuls and the NRL referees visit our school," she said.
"We're very privileged to have them here and we will remember this occasion for a long time."
Papua New Guinea take on the Cook Islands in the SP Brewery Pacific Cup Final on Sunday.
The winners will be rewarded with a place in the 2010 Four Nations alongside Australia , New Zealand and England .
On Saturday Tonga , led by Parramatta Eels star Feleti Mateo, play Fiji in an international rankings match.
