More than 20 National Rugby League players will head to the bush next month as the league attempts to shore up support in the game's heartland.

The NRL has announced the initiative, where players such as Trent Barrett, Danny Buderus, Andrew Johns, Darren Lockyer and Shane Webcke would spend a weekend in their former home towns conducting coaching clinics and visiting schools.

Lockyer would join Brent Tate in Roma, Justin Hodges and Gorden Tallis would head to Trinity Bay near Cairns and the Hindmarsh brothers - Nathan and Ian - would return to the NSW country town of Robertson.

Barrett and his St George Illawarra and Australian teammate Shaun Timmins would visit NSW country towns Temora and Wagga Wagga.

NRL chief executive David Gallop said the initiative was an important step in the NRL's commitment to the grass roots.

"Hundreds of kids will have the chance to meet a player who has played on the same footy fields as them, been to the same school as them and who has managed to work their way through to the highest level in rugby league," Gallop said.

"Between bushfires and drought it's been particularly tough for everyone in the bush so hopefully this project will give communities something to look forward to as well as helping local clubs with fundraising and driving junior registration."

Gallop would join Test centre Jamie Lyon and Country Rugby League president Terry Quinn in heading to the NSW country town of Wee Waa.

"Hopefully I'll get to show the guys a few of the sights in Wee Waa but it looks like we've got a pretty hectic schedule going back to my old school and then holding some clinics in the afternoon," Lyon said said.

"Wee Waa's a bit out of the way so you don't get too many sporting stars passing through town and I know how much the kids are going to appreciate getting to meet some of the guys involved in running the game.".

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP