The elite rugby league squad of a high school south of Brisbane is working to break the strong, silent stigma of their sport in a bid to improve youth mental health.

Mates Talk Change is a unique program developed by the squad at Marsden State High in Logan to encourage players to talk through the pressures they feel on and off the field.

Seventeen-year-old Brayden Bochow said it was designed to break down stereotypes and encourage communication.

Sorry, this video has expired Rugby program encourages players to 'change, chat and chill'

"You're not bottling up emotions and you're not going to be forced to do some bad stuff down the road if you can talk about it," he said.

"Rugby league players are seen as some big, invincible, bulletproof people that can handle anything, but that's not the case."

Fellow league player and student Jake Sperry said he and his peers had to juggle a number of pressures.

"There's a lot of expectations from your coaches, from other players and not just on the footy field, there's exams and assignments," he said.

"Peer pressure is another big issue.

"Our goal was to increase education, awareness and communication."

With help from mentor and Marsden State High teacher Megan Mulcahy, the squad has also worked out ways to get the message across to others, sharing phrases like the "three Cs — change, chat, chill".

"We're hoping that this builds resilient, strong kids who are able to face their problems head on," Ms Mulcahy said.

Hats and wristbands with the logo #MTC are part of the program, reminding students it is OK to open up.

Marsden State High principal Andrew Peach has welcomed the program as the school community deals with the death of 12-year-old student Tiahleigh Palmer.

Tiahleigh's body was found on the banks of the Pimpama River late last year, and police believe her death to be suspicious.

"The response from the kids, the families, the staff within the school has brought our community together in a really difficult time," he said.

There are now plans to roll out the Mates Talk Change initiative to the rest of the students at Marsden State High and other schools.