SUPER League ace Will Maher brought smiles to the faces of dozens of children during a special visit to an Ulverston school.

The Castleford Tigers prop forward spent the afternoon at Sir John Barrow School, talking to the children and working with them in the playground on their RL skills.

Maher, a former junior at Ulverston amateur rugby league club, is the brother of Sir John Barrow teacher James, and took some time out following the conclusion of the season to visit the school.

He explained to the children from all classes – from reception class to Year 6 – how he has progressed through the junior leagues to become a professional player, joining Castleford as an 18-year-old, having been part of the now-defunct Cumbria Storm Academy.

“You should have seen them when he walked into the hall,” said James Maher. “I'm a tall bloke, but Will's 6ft 5in, so the eyes followed him the whole time he walked across the hall. He was a popular visitor to have, he was very good.

“I've had some very positive feedback from parents, whoich has been great.”

The Haverthwaite giant made sure to point out to the whole school that there were difficulties along the way as he became the first player from the regional academies to sign for a top-flight club, but a positive attitude and strong friendships were key for him.

He towered above the youngsters during a 35-minute session with pupils from Years 5 and 6, which the school hope will be useful when they start their rugby tournaments, having enjoyed success last year.

Children from Years 3 and 4 also also had the chance to practice their skills, with the hopes Maher – who spent this season on loan at Championship side Batley Bulldogs – will return in future to work with the younger end of the school spectrum.