My partner and I live and breathe rugby league. He plays in a league himself. But the rising number of young NRL players dying by suicide is terrifying us.

I know from watching my partner and his teammates that the pressure to perform is unbearable at times. And what’s more – this crippling perception that “seeking help is weak” still exists.

We've seen 6 young NRL guys take their own lives in under two years. That’s 6 too many. For their families, for our extended NRL families - something needs to change to stop this continuing.

That’s why I am calling on the National Rugby League to immediately introduce fortnightly compulsory counselling services for all NRL clubs and players – including the Holden Cup, NSW cup and QLD Intrust Super cup.

Until compulsory counselling, that matches the physical check-ups after matches, is introduced we’ll never break the ‘seeking help is weak’ idea.

We love this game so much, but I was sick to the stomach the other night thinking about all the lives we’re losing, so I started this petition. It’s got to stop. I hope it can make a difference.

Please can you help by adding your name and sharing this. #endNRLsuicide