Newcastle Knights' Dane Gagai and St George Dragons forward Joel Thompson have been named ambassadors for 2016, along with 22 others players.
The NRL State of Mind program, wants to encourage players and their communities to seek support if they are experiencing rough times and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
A grassroots version is set to roll out across junior clubs throughout 2016.
Indigenous people mental health has been recorded to be worse than non-Indigenous people. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics , Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people had experienced very high levels of psychological distress at twice the rate than their non-Indigenous counterparts.
The ambassadors are self-nominated, because of their commitment to the cause, a media release says.
2016 NRL State of Mind ambassadors
Moses Mbye – Canterbury Bulldogs
Iosia Soliola – Canberra Raiders
Joseph Paulo – Cronulla Sharks
David Shillington – Gold Coast Titans
Dane Gagai – Newcastle Knights
Suaia Matagi – Penrith Panthers
James Segeyaro – Penrith Panthers
David Tyrrell – South Sydney Rabbitohs
Boyd Cordner – Sydney Roosters
Dale Finucane – Melbourne Storm
Jeff Robson – New Zealand Warriors
Matt Ballin – Wests Tigers
Ruan Sims – Australian Jillaroos
Samantha Hopkin – Touch Football Australia
2015 NRL State of Mind ambassadors – continuing in 2016
Darius Boyd – Brisbane Broncos
Sam Tagataese – Cronulla Sharks
Brenton Lawrence – Manly Warringah Sea-Eagles
Josh Starling – Manly Warringah Sea-Eagles
Tariq Sims – Newcastle Knights
Michael Morgan – North Queensland Cowboys
Luke Kelly – Parramatta Eels
Joel Thompson – St George Illawarra Dragons
John Palavi – New Zealand Warriors
Dene Halatau – Wests Tigers
If you are feeling distressed, in need of assistance or support, please contact:
- on 13 11 14
- on 1300 659 467
- 1300 22 4636
