Hagan, who played 180 matches for Newcastle and Canterbury-Bankstown, visited the Border as part of the NRL’s profile coach presenter program.

“We are really lucky to have Michael, Mark O’Meley and Kelly Egan covering the Riverina over the next three weeks,” South West NSW game development officer Dean Whymark said.

“Michael showed the coaches how he would take a training session over an hour.

“He then did a speech on preparation and half-time speeches before everyone went upstairs and analysed State of Origin One.

“It was pretty amazing and great in assisting the development of coaches.”

While Hagan’s visit was predominately for coaches, 24 players from Albury Thunder’s under 12, 13 and 14 teams were invited as a reward for their seasons.

Hagan works as an assistant-coach under Mal Meninga.