The NRL today announced the NRL State of Mind ambassadors for 2016, with representatives from all 16 clubs, the Harvey Norman Jillaroos and Touch Football Australia part of the campaign to reduce stigma around mental illness.

Now in its third year, the NRL State of Mind program aims to encourage players, clubs and communities to speak up and seek help if they are experiencing any form of difficulty or difference in their mood.

The ambassadors have all nominated themselves for the roles – because they want to assist with the program.

One in two Australians will experience a mental illness in their lifetime, with suicide the biggest killer of individuals aged 15 – 44.

NRL Head of Community, Adam Check said the program would evolve further next year, with the support of the code’s expert partners, Lifeline Australia, headspace, Kids Helpline and the Black Dog Institute.

“Together, our partners and ambassadors have spent time listening and actively participating at community and club forums across several States,” Mr Check said.

“We know that as a sport, we have a big voice and responsibility to encourage all Australians to recognise that it’s ok if you feel vulnerable – there is help available.

“To have a self-nominated ambassador at every club next year goes to show how serious our game, our players and our clubs are about mental wellbeing as part of their culture.”

In addition to new ambassadors, the NRL State of Mind program will retain 10 incumbent ambassadors from 2015.

After extensive consultation with coalition partners and junior clubs, an NRL State of Mind grassroots program has also been developed and will be delivered to select junior clubs throughout 2016.

The aim of the program is to:

• Reduce the stigma around mental health within clubs and communities

• Increase mental health literacy across grassroots Rugby League clubs

• Stimulate help seeking behaviours amongst club members and communities

Current NRL State of Mind ambassador, Darius Boyd said more and more players were talking about their feelings with their families and friends, with mental illness no longer something to be kept bottled up.

“Mental illness can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime. It’s not a Rugby League issue; it’s a society issue,” Mr Boyd said.

“It’s important that we all work together to encourage people of all ages to speak out when they are feeling vulnerable.”

To learn more about the program and if you or anyone you know would like support, visit www.nrlstateofmind.com.au

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