Matthew Johns - aka Reg Reagan - has delivered a simple message to the NRL's emerging talent about the pitfalls of sporting fame: "Not much good is going to happen after midnight".

Johns, one of several keynote speakers to 64 players at the NRL rookie camp, said they were entitled to enjoy their time in the spotlight but had to ensure they were in the headlines for the right reasons.

"There are certain pitfalls to avoid," Johns said.

"I told the boys that I love having a beer, I love having a good time, but for these young guys, not much good is going to happen after midnight.

"Go out, enjoy yourselves until midnight. But if you feel like having a few more drinks, go to your mate's joint.

"When you have a certain amount of beer, your judgement just isn't that good.

"You might go out with the best intentions, but you wake up the next morning going `Geez, did I really have to do that?'

"I'm trying to get across to the young blokes that they're young, they can have a good night out, they just need to learn there are things they can do to minimise any trouble they find themselves in ... the biggest is (being home by) midnight."

The former Newcastle and Cronulla half, equally well known to the rookies as his alter ego Reg Reagan, said the youngsters would do well to follow the example of Sydney Roosters fullback Anthony Minichiello.

"He does it really well, he hasn't lost his focus," Johns said of Minichiello's ability to enjoy his profile without letting it affect his football.

"He goes out and enjoys himself but when he turns out to play on the weekend he plays at the top of the tree, his form never dips.

"He's a really charismatic guy and people invite him to all sorts of things and he likes to enjoy himself.

"However he trains hard, he doesn't look for trouble and because he always plays well no one can say that he's a good-time Charlie."

Johns' advice is timely, as most of the rookies are expected to make their first grade debuts this season after the majority of last year's attendees went on to crack the top grade.

And the youngsters have been warned that bad behaviour inevitably turns into bad publicity as seen with the sacking of young former Newcastle forward Dane Tilse, who was involved in a drunken incident just a week after last year's camp.

NRL CEO David Gallop said the rise from obscurity to stardom can be a rapid one, citing the rise of St George Illawarra backrower Ben Creagh from rookie to Kangaroo tourist last season.

"We are giving guys the chance to reach their potential and reminding them the rewards comes responsibility," Gallop said.

"How they get remembered in their time in the NRL is largely in their hands but we accept that we have a responsibility to give them support as they begin their careers."

Sydney Roosters half Jamie Soward, who made his first grade debut last season, said the camp was particularly helpful because of the high profile of his inner city club side.

"You have to know how to handle yourself properly so this is quite useful," he said.

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