"We are," says a passer by as the NRL club cooked up a barbecue lunch at the Cobargo Co-op on Wednesday, "My home burnt to the ground, but we have had so much help from everyone it has been amazing."

Mary, as he is regularly dubbed, thanked her for sharing her story and said it was exactly those kind of experiences that had made the trip rewarding for the Dragons.

"The joy in her face at the help she has received, knowing and understanding that is a life experience," he said.

The Dragons visited recovery centres, schools, farms and some businesses on Wednesday as part of the club's recovery tour where McGregor said sharing his time with the locals was the least he could do.

"It's really important for us to come and spend a bit of time in the communities where Kezie and 'Euey' grew up - but we call the South Coast our own as well," he said.

"Any way we can give back to the community, we want to and that's what we can do is share our time."

Before firing up the barbecue on Wednesday, NRL players and club staff had been visiting kids in schools to give them a reprieve from the worries of the ongoing fire threat, but they had also been aiding with re-fencing efforts around Cobargo.

McGregor said the stories the club had been told were also remarkable; the stories of complete loss, but the community rallying around each other; and other stories of the seemingly miraculous efforts of fire-fighters to save homes and the lifetime of memories stored within.

"To see how close fire got to some of these homes it has been really eye-opening to see what good the firefighters have done," McGregor said. "How can they save a home so close to another burning building or next to a tree as thick as a telegraph pole. their efforts are heroic.

"We've also met people in the community who have told us stories about the firies and saving their most cherished items that could never be replaced."

The club have also met many who were not as fortunate.

The Dragons coach said the fires had caused enormous amounts of damage and it will be a long healing process.

"It's going to be a long road for a lot of people," he said.

"For me personally, seeing people overcome the difficulties and loss they've faced is just a sign of what can be done.

"It has really shown me how resilient people can be in these difficult times."

McGregor said the person-to-person link the club had witnessed in towns like Cobargo and Quaama was incredible.

"It's just real pleasing to see the enormous strength of these communities."

McGregor said he was also pleased the club could visit a few schools and give young people a bit of excitement and reprieve from the fires.

"I'm grateful to see some excitement and joy in the kids' faces."

After splitting off into groups to visit separate areas almost half the NRL players were joined by club ambassador Kezie Apps, club icon Wendell Sailor, coach Paul McGregor and club staff for the free community barbecue.

An enthusiastic crop of locals gathered to share a snag with some of their favourite footy players, but also had the chance to get some photos and autographs from the group.

Players even helped load up a couple of utes for locals who had stopped to pick up supplies.