McMillan and his wife Joscelin were visited by NRL media recently to see how they were faring following the summer bushfires that wiped out two thirds of their hens and production equipment at their Bega Valley Eggs farm.

"We had talked to the NRL about the fact the season had been cancelled due to COVID, and that the club had decided to put on a pub comp to keep interest in rugby league," McMillan said.

Read more: Evans walking tall with Giants' pick

"The NRL mentioned that Bundy would like to help more but we didn't think anything of it until they handed me the letter - it was a complete shock."

McMillan said it was a surreal experience. "I was quite taken aback how much Bundy really wanted to help out the club and the community and their appreciation toward us for being involved in the NRL Community project was really encouraging."

Watch the NRL video visit here

The captain-coach said the Roosters were likely to funnel the money towards the four local pubs backing the comp as they had already footed the bill for playing gear and jerseys.

McMillan said the suspension of football and isolation through COVID meant many had no social outlets and just had to busy themselves with work.

However, he said the mood is starting to shift now with the Pub Comp coming up and Group 16 planning for the women's 9s contact series.

Read more: Bega Valley Eggs on Woolies' shelves

"Yeah the mood has started to change in the past few weeks with the chance of playing some footy again," McMillan says. "It does help that we are all normally team mates so the sledging and banter is getting better and better the closer the comp is to starting," he adds with a laugh.

With the recent partnership with Woolworths stocking Bega Valley Eggs, McMillan said it has lifted some burden so he can put some focus back on footy and getting around his mates.

Read more: Apps and Boyle to face off once more