The likeable Hindmarsh was flocked by students and teachers, some of whom wanted autographs or to meet the former Robertson Spuddie, while others caught up on family gossip.

Hindmarsh said he had many happy memories from his six years at Moss Vale High.

“I really enjoyed my time here,” Hindmarsh said.

“It’s where I went to hang out with my friends and as far as work went, I did what I had to do and stayed out of trouble - most of the time.”

Hindmarsh presented up-and-coming rugby league player Matt Thorpe with the senior sportsperson of the year award, while Roween Turvey was handed the junior prize.

Thorpe, who played for Moss Vale Dragons’ under-16s this season, recently returned from a training stint with the Brisbane Broncos.

The 16-year old has been contracted with the Broncos for a number of years and looks forward to moving to Queensland to play for their feeder team Easts Tigers, once he finishes school.

He received the senior sportsperson of the year award for the second time in a row for his achievements in rugby league with the Broncos and touch football where he played for the NSW Combined High Schools side at the recent national championships.

Exeter’s Thorpe said it was a thrill to receive the award from someone who was already a rugby league great.

Junior sportsperson of the year, Robertson’s Roween Turvey was the school age champion at the swimming and athletics carnivals.

The allrounder broke three records at the zone athletics level - in hurdles, high jump and long jump.

She was elected most valuable player in the school’s junior touch football team.

Hindmarsh congratulated the pair for winning the awards - something he had never achieved at school.

“I don’t think they had anything like this back then,” he said.

“There were no football awards either.”

Hindmarsh said he was a true “country boy” at heart, but was resigned to spending the rest of his days in Sydney.

The second-rower said he had thoughts of making a return to Robertson Spuddies one day.

“I wouldn’t rule it out,” he said.

“Depends what happens in a few years time with injuries and what not.”

The Parramatta player is contracted to the Eels until the end of 2012 and said he hoped to work for the club when his professional playing days were over.