Ahead of the visit to Warren and Coonamble by the Classic Wallabies on 22 & 23 April, home-grown Wallabies have been asked to reflect on their western roots and how this has influenced their rugby career.

This is from Ned Hanigan, raised in the Hollywood area between Coonamble and Pilliga.

"COONAMBLE and its people play a special part in my why.  

I can remember Dad dropping Char, Luke, Heather and I off at the bus with a molasses cart being towed behind. 

Like the days before a test match, the game plan was laid out and made simple - get the kids on the bus.

But when a mob of swine run out in front of the ute, things change quickly - “Unhook that cart and hang on.”  

Memories like this I use on the field when a game plan is not working.  

You have to change quickly.  

I can remember Mum waking up at sparrow, checking the heifers and being back in time to have our lunch boxes chockers of good food. 

On game day, I have to pack my own lunch and it’s still never as good.  

I can remember as a 10year old, at David Peachey Shield days, all the parents standing on the sidelines of Coonamble fields, barracking for their kids.  

It hasn’t changed now that I’m playing in stadiums around the world.  

Mums and Dads, of the men playing, are still barracking from the sidelines.  

I’ve learnt to cop the flies, the dust, the dry spells, the cow crap, the heat, the ants and the mice nearly dragging me out of bed of an evening.  

Coonamble has taught me to keep resilient in times where things aren’t always as you’d like them.  

I remember Anzac Day marches and the entire town showing up to pay homage. 

Coonamble has a real sense of community that pull together in times of need.  

Just like on the football field when the All Blacks have put 20 points on you in the first 10minutes, you have to pull together.  

It is memories like these I think about when I’m training and playing.  

It reminds me of how fortunate I have been to have people around me that are so selfless. 

It reminds me of how fortunate I have been to have grown up in Coonamble.  

The people that have given their time, their efforts and their support.  

I want to give something back.  

I want my family and the people of Coonamble to feel as though I am representing them the best way I can and be proud of it.  

Chasing that sense of satisfaction that you have given everything you’ve got because that’s what people of Coonamble do.  

I can’t wait to hear about how having the Classic Wallabies in Coonamble goes.  

I wish I could be there. 

The Wallabies visiting may not be as good on the field as they once were, but I would bet their off field antics have only improved. 

And remember all those good stories they tell are only based on truth…