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NRL clubs 'working to address mental illness'
Topic Started: Apr 20 2008, 06:45 AM (20 Views)
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he National Rugby League Players' Association says action is being taken to identify and assist players dealing with mental health issues.

Parramatta Eels half-back Tim Smith revealed on Monday that he suffers from bipolar disorder and withdrew from the sport indefinitely.

North Queensland number seven Johnathan Thurston also admitted this week he had spoken to the Cowboys' sports psychologist earlier in the year.

Former Newcastle, New South Wales and Australia half-back Andrew Johns revealed last year he suffered from depression and bipolar disorders due to "psychological pressures" during his career.

Players' Association boss Matt Rodwell has told ABC Grandstand that some clubs are training staff members to recognise signs of mental illness in players.

"Within each NRL club there are education and welfare officers, and a few other staff are now undergoing a course where they will be given skills to try and identify players with mental health problems earlier," he said.

He says it is a terrific step that some clubs have recognised the problem is bigger than they initially realised.

"[They're saying] 'let's give some of our staff the skills', particularly those who are with the players on a day-to-day basis, to see if there are players and help them with some identification skills of players perhaps who are suffering from mental illness."

Rodwell says the fact that Smith, Thurston and Johns have all admitted mental health concerns could relate to the fact that they all play at half-back, arguably one of the most mentally-involving positions on the field.

"The half-back has lots of things running through their mind, the tempo of the game, the tactics the coach wants employed, getting the team in position, the kicking game," he said.

"I think it affects those guys who have a lot more going on during the game in their mind, than those with less responsibility."

He says he is impressed by the way Smith's manager David Riolo and the NRL have handled Smith's announcement.

"The Eels been advised by the NRL that they will be considered for salary cap relief given that they already have paid money for Tim and will pay out the remainder of this year at least," he said.
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I wonder if there's a higher ration of mental illness in sports people than what there is in the general population?
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