Over a nine-day period, Fittler and a select number of former NSW players will travel across regional NSW areas from Tumut to Lennox Head, Carcoar and Baulkham Hills and hand out 5000 footballs to children in the process.

They will deliver a bus in Tumut to children with disabilities, play beach football in Lennox Head, sell a sheep in Carcoar and re-turf a school playing field in Baulkham Hills.

A host of former Origin greats including Danny Buderus, Nathan Hindmarsh, Steve Menzies, Greg Alexander and Nathan Blacklock will also take part in the seventh annual tour which will see riders travel almost 4000 kilometres.

Since Fittler started Hogs For The Homeless in 2013, the initiative has raised almost $700,000 for Youth off the Streets to help disadvantaged youth, as well as helping junior rugby league clubs to raise much-needed funds and increase registrations.

Fittler announced that this year’s tour had been expanded to include more activities and events, as well as welcoming new partners - the NSW Police and PCYC (who will run Fitness for Life boxing classes for fitness along the route), Red Energy (who have played a major role in the bus delivery in Tumut) and the Australian Hotels Association.

“The Hogs For The Homeless tour has been a big part of my life and I look forward to the ride every year,” Fittler said.

“It’s a great feeling to be able to give back to the community every year and all the riders who take part really buy into what we’re doing.

“There’s a lot of people around the state who do it tough and it’s a humbling experience to know they can get a lift from just a simple hello, or having a chat.

“There’s also a lot of people from all over NSW who have great stories to share and I really enjoy spending time with them."

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