BIG names and big hits made for big fun as the Legends of League returned to Bowen on Saturday night.

People the town over came out to watch the likes of Matt Bowen, Willie Mason and Petro Civoniceva battle it out against the Whitsunday Girudula All-Stars.

And not one would leave disappointed with both sides putting on a clinic in what turned out to be an immensely entertaining affair at the Bowen Sporting Complex.

The Australian All-Stars began as heavy favourites going into the match. But the big stage only motivated the Whitsunday Girudula All-Stars, whose ball movement and speed around the ruck dazzled onlookers.

After taking 26-24 into halftime many began to wonder if an upset was looming.

But the Australian All-Stars turned it up a gear in the second half, piling on three tries in a row late in the match to clinch the game 46-36.

"It was a dream come true,” said Girudula Sport and Recreational Officer Gareth Prior, who suited up for the Australian All-Stars team.

"Those were guys I watched when I was young. So to play with them was pretty fun.

"It was competitive at one point when the game was tight in the second half. But the Australian team put on a couple of tries and relaxed again.”

The relax period came later than expected however, with Brisbane Broncos and State of Origin Legend Petro Civoniceva praising the effort of the Whitsunday All-Stars.

"I wasn't surprised with how good they were,” he said.

"There is a lot of talent up here, and despite our ages they really made us pull our socks up and play a bit of footy. It was great and a lot of fun.”

The match marked the end of a two year tradition in Bowen that has seen the Legends of League event pass through town as a way to help grow the game at a grassroots level. Over the course of the week-long visit, players held community events and appearances across the region. Prior said the event has been a great boost for the whole community.

"They were here for the whole week and shared their stories, he said. I took them to the schools where they touched on issues like bullying and mental health. That's what the event is about. Creating pathways, and giving back to the community,” he said.

This year marked the first occasion that former Australian test player Willie Mason has participated in the event after retiring from the NRL almost two years ago. Despite playing the majority of his football south of the state border, the Newcastle native said places like Bowen is where the game is most treasured.

"It's very important to grow the game at a grassroots level because that's where the game begins,” he said. Queensland is the mecca of rugby league now, and we need to stay up here and promote the game as much as we can.”

The event will return to the region in 2019 and Proserpine will play host.