SCHOOLCHILDREN from Neath got their hands on the Rugby League World Cup recently when the famous trophy made a whistle-stop tour around Wales.
The trophy was only in the area for a few hours, so two schools, Gnoll Primary and Tonnau Primary, were selected at random to have the 59-year old piece of silverware at their establishments.
Both schools have entered the South Wales Scorpions' Primary Schools Rugby League tournament so were perfect choices for the occasion. The "Gnoll Tigers" and "Team Tonnau" rugby league squads had their photographs taken with the World Cup and all enjoyed the experience.
Gnoll Tigers player Connor Moriarty said: "It's just amazing as you see it on TV and I thought I'd never get to hold it. It's an honour to actually be with it.
"I'd love to go the Wales v Cook Islands game later in the year. I live so close so I can walk to the ground."
Team-mate Ciaran Comerford added: "It's astonishing as I've watched the Rugby League World Cup on TV. I've watched the rugby union one too. I've always looked up to the players in both codes and it's astonishing to have it here.
"I play both rugby union and league in schools and I enjoy both. I hope to go to the World Cup game here in Neath in November."
Scorpions coach Dave Clark said: "We'd have loved it if more schools were able to see the trophy and we're sorry we couldn't visit more schools, but for those who did see it, this was a great experience for them.
"I'm really pleased with how the schools are welcoming rugby league into their curriculum and everyone seems very enthusiastic about coming to the World Cup match we have at The Gnoll and for the sport as a whole.
"I'd like to thank RLWC2013 for bringing the trophy down and to Neath Port Talbot Council for all their support in regard to the Scorpions, our schools work and the World Cup match."
The World Cup trophy will be back in Neath for the South Wales Scorpions v Gateshead Thunder match on Sunday, July 28, and schools will be invited to this game to have their photo taken with the trophy.
It will also be taken around a number of holiday clubs and establishments in the area on other days in the following week.
Tickets for the Rugby League World Cup match between Wales and Cook Islands at The Gnoll on Sunday, November 10, can be bought at www.scorpionsrl.com
