Rugby league clubs across Western NSW are helping to salvage the reputation of the sport with a new approach to the game. 

The Murdi Paaki Regional Rugby League Council (MPRRLC) oversees both Barwon Darling Rugby League and Outback Rugby League, where a focus on mental health and domestic violence prevention has kept the clubs alive.

MPRRLC General Manager Kyle Myers said that through their new initiative, rugby league has been able to prosper in the region. 

“It’s hard for clubs out here to gain sponsorship and get funding because there’s not a lot of organisations around that they can target,” Mr Myers said.

“What we do is ask players to attend mental wellbeing sessions and domestic violence training workshops, and in return, we would then provide funding for the clubs registrations and insurance so that anyone can play,” he said. 

A condition of the subsidised registration is signing a code of conduct for the player which includes the assurance that they’ll be stood down if a police charge on investigation is opened up against them.

“That’s a successful program. We don’t want rugby league to be the reason people are involved in domestic violence. This is a way we can keep people on the straight and narrow,” Mr Myers said. 

Instead, the games of rugby league have become a reason for players to stay away from any damaging activity and a useful release and distraction from any harmful influences. 

“Physical and mental wellbeing just go hand in hand. If you get out and exercise or increase your heart rate, that releases endorphins into your brain and gives you a good boost.” 

Last week, the MPRRLC received $450,000 in funding to allow the new approach to continue, a welcome reprieve for clubs that are continuously on the precipice of folding.

The funding will be used in game costs including referees and St Johns Ambulance, as well as continuing to host wellbeing events throughout the community. 

“We’ll also go to some communities that don’t have a rugby league club such as Goodooga which doesn’t have a lot. We’ll come and have a wellbeing afternoon with activities and a day out for them,” he said. 

“Without rugby league, other factors occur in communities. Domestic violence rates increase, people become isolated and disengaged from communities. Having these competitions have been crucial for people having a day out to look forward to as well,”

“We’re looking forward to re-starting our competitions and having full crowds where we can see the community back to normal and just being outside and enjoying the outdoors.”