FOR PLAYERS
Back yourself.
Real support for your game, your growth, and your life beyond rugby league.
WAYS WE SUPPORT YOU
CAREER DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Education and career pathways that work with your playing schedule
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Formal education and qualifications support
Career exploration and planning
Transition preparation
Former player networks and mentoring
Work experience opportunities
All NRL/NRLW contracted players are entitled to receive up to $5K as a grant from the RLPA to contribute towards their Education. Players can access this via their WEM
How to access: Speak with your WEM about education and career options.
MENTAL FITNESS - STAY STRONG
Tools for managing pressure, stress and staying mentally fit
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Stress and emotion management strategies
Performance pressure support
Confidential counselling pathways
Peer support networks
Stigma-free help-seeking
How to access: Your WEM is your first point of contact for mental fitness support.
All NRL/NRLW contracted players receive free confidential counselling/psychologist support from a network of approved aligned psychologists Mental Health Practitioners (Psychologist, Counsellors, Social Workers and Psychiatrists). Support can be accessed via their WEM or by connecting directly with their Club Aligned provider.
Need immediate help?
Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78
Kids Helpline (under 25): 1800 55 1800
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis Support Line – 13YARNIf you're in danger, call 000
LIFE READINESS - GET GROUNDED
Build the skills to manage life on and off the field
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Financial literacy and money management
Life skills (housing, travel, time management)
Identity and values exploration
Healthy relationships and boundaries
Digital and media literacy
All NRL/NRLW contracted players (with their partners) can receive free confidential financial literacy and education from qualified financial providers. Players can access this via their WEM.
How to access: Talk to your WEM about Life Readiness programs
YOUR FIRST STEP: TALK TO YOUR WEM
Your Club Wellbeing Manager is there to support you.
They:
Know the programs and services available
Can connect you with the right support
Respect your privacy and confidentiality
Are trained to help with a range of issues
If you're not comfortable speaking with your WEM, or need different support:
CURRENT NRL/NRLW PLAYERS
Access confidential counselling
Mental health crisis support: 1300 460 205
Access support via the League Ahead GM - Mental Health at hello@leagueahead.com.au
PATHWAYS PLAYERS (PRE-CONTRACT)
Contact your state body for support:
NSWRL Player Welfare: smeredith@nrl.com.au
QRL Player Welfare
NZRL Player Welfare: cliff.thompson@warriors.kiwi
FAMILY MEMBERS & PARTNERS
If you are a family member, partner, agent or other support person to an NRL or NRLW player, see below for support services:
Resources for supporting your loved one
Family-specific information and programs
Agent-specific information and programs
Contact your WEM or hello@leagueahead.com.au
RETIRED PLAYERS
IF YOU NEED HELP RIGHT NOW:
AUSTRALIA
Emergency: 000
Telus Health: 1300 460 205 (24/7 confidential non-identified counselling and support available to all players and their immediate family members)
Lifeline: 13 11 14(24/7 crisis support)
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978
1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732(family violence)
Gambling Helpline: 1800 858 858
NEW ZEALAND
Emergency: 111
Trained counsellor and peer support: Text or call 1737(24/7)
Telus Health: 0800 360 364
Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865(24/7)
Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 or text 4202(24/7)
Samaritans: 0800 726 666(24/7)
Youthline: 0800 376 633 or text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz
What’s Up (free counselling for 5-19yr olds): 0800 942 8787(11am-11pm)
Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
OUTLine: 0800 688 5463(6pm-9pm)
Alcohol Drug Helpline: 0800 787 797 or text 8681
REMEMBER:
Contact Your Club Wellbeing and Education Manager (WEM):
Your WEM is your first point of contact for confidential mental health support and guidance.
Referral to a Mental Health Practitioner:
Players have immediate access to six fully funded sessions with a trusted network of skilled, experienced and specialised mental health professionals who understand the unique demands and nuances of elite athletic career.