Jack Cogger presents Wellbeing Challenge to his old primary school

As a community ambassador, former Toukley Hawks junior and current Penrith Panthers playmaker Jack Cogger has made a habit of returning to his old primary school St Mary’s, to sign team posters and run footy drills.

This year, however, Cogger wanted to give the students something that would improve their skills beyond the playground. Alongside the Panthers and League Ahead, Cogger developed a 30-day wellbeing challenge for the students to complete. The program encouraged healthy habits such as limiting screen time, drinking more water, eating breakfast, getting enough sleep and exercising every day.

“It’s something we do at the Panthers every day. We get a chance to tick a few things off to make sure we're at our best to perform,” Cogger said.

“Now the kids have that opportunity to do that for the next 30 days. Hopefully they'll learn some good habits and it'll set them up to perform for the rest of their life.”

Each student was given their own poster featuring a daily checklist which, if completed by the end of the month, would put them in the running to win Penrith Panthers merchandise.

Jack returned to St Mary's Toukley on the school's annual Feast Day and spent the morning greeting students before putting them through a series of footy activities including bullrush, kick tennis and running at tackle bags.

“We had a bit of a weather issue there, but that didn't stop the kids,” Cogger said.

“They got into a couple of drills, got to do their favourite try celebration, which they loved, getting in front of the camera, and they even taught me some of the new TikTok dances that I'm not up to date with.”

The day concluded with a signing session where Cogger signed team posters for every student. The Panthers playmaker said returning to his old primary school is always a special experience, and one he hopes leaves a lasting impression on the students.

“I walked up here to do the signing and I didn't know what the line was for, and it was for me. It’s always nice, and if it makes someone's day and they're happy with that, then yeah, it's all worth doing.”

Panthers playmaker Jack Cogger returns to his hometown of Toukley to inspire the next generation, delivering a wellbeing challenge to students at his former primary school, St Mary's.