BEN Ross has little choice, but to be aggressive, on the rugby league field. However, the under-14 De La Salle Caringbah rugby league team has seen a different side to the former Origin tough guy.

Ross along with teammate David Simmons have joined forces to help coach the team as part of a Ricky Stuart initiative which has seen NRL squad members assigned to junior league clubs in the Cronulla district.

"Stuart is very keen on this program being successful,'' Sharks community manager Rob Willis said. ``Although there have been some teething problems this year, Stuart has every intention of continuing, and making it even better next season and into the future.''

Ross and Simmons try to go to at least one training session or game during the week.

"It's enjoyable getting back down to the basics,'' Ross said. "We just lend a hard to Craig Tracey (coach). Rugby league can be seen as bit of a job sometimes and you forget about the fun side of things. Then you see these boys and you remember what we used to do. It's this buzz and excitement.''

Tracey who coaches the side, with assistant coach Tom Crowley, praised the pair. He said their impact away from the football field was more important than shaping his side as players.

"They've gotten to learn how to play good football and more importantly how to be good club men,'' Tracey said. "I can't say enough good about the two players.

"My son Alex is in the team and he has been excited about going to watch the Sharks play this year. Whenever Ben or David get the ball the boys are always cheering them on. It's definitely a positive for our team and the Sharks too.''

As part of a Puma clothing sponsorship, Ross is given a clothing allowance. He spent part of his allowance this year buying shirts for the side.

"The more we can get into the community, hopefully, the more support we get,'' Ross said. "It works both ways as we teach children what we know and, hopefully, they will take our position in the National Rugby League one day. It's a bit of a revolving door.''

Simmons and Ross are not alone in their coaching appearances, with several other Sharks players lending a hand to junior clubs.

"Kevin Kingston has hardly missed a week at St Patrick's despite being injured. Luke Douglas has been a regular at training with St Josephs under-16s and Paul Gallen in between Origin commitments has helped out at Cronulla Caringbah,'' Willis said.