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Player wellbeing will assume the spotlight this weekend when players and match officials involved in the Intrust Super Cup and FOGS Colts Challenge don blue socks for the ‘Turn to Me’ Round.

The initiative will this year align itself with the game’s wellbeing partners, including Lifeline, the Black Dog Institute, Kids Helpline and headspace (see further information below).

Initiated in 2013 by Petero Civoniceva, Isaak Ah Mau and Steven Johnson with the backing of the QRL, the ‘Turn to Me’ campaign encourages the game’s participants to reach out to a coach, player, mate or professional.

As part of the game’s commitment to this area, a member of each Intrust Super Cup club has received training in mental health first aid.

Throughout the course of this weekend’s round, the following game day activities are scheduled to take place at the Major Competition venues:

  • Pete Murray’s Better Days song will play as the players take the field.
  • Teams will line up on the half-way line and face the grandstand.
  • ‘Turn to Me’ message will be played after the song.
  • Players will shake hands before kick-off.
  • Players will be encouraged to form a circle after the game.

QRL Head of Football Neil Wharton said the campaign would help deliver some important messages during a key period for participants.

“The ‘Turn to Me’ initiative and the message that it puts out there is a really important one for our game, especially at this time of the year when some players and teams achieve their goals and others don’t,” Wharton said.

“We’re proud of what this initiative has delivered since 2013, and we look forward to working with our clubs over the course of the weekend to ensure the campaign reaches as many people as possible throughout the rugby league community.”

Intrust Super Cup ‘Turn to Me’ Round

Saturday, August 26:

Ipswich Jets v CQ Capras at Cahill Park, Gatton 5pm
Northern Pride v Redcliffe Dolphins at Barlow Park 5.30pm
Easts Tigers v Burleigh Bears at Suzuki Stadium, Langlands Park 6pm
Mackay Cutters v Souths Logan Magpies at BB Print Stadium, Mackay 6pm

Sunday, August 27:

Sunshine Coast Falcons v Townsville Blackhawks at Sunshine Coast Stadium 1.40pm (Ch 9)
Tweed Heads Seagulls v PNG Hunters at Piggabeen Sports Complex 2.05pm
Norths Devils v Wynnum Manly Seagulls at Bishop Park 3pm

Mental health and wellbeing partners:

Lifeline:
Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.

Black Dog Institute:
Founded in 2002, the Black Dog Institute is internationally recognised as a pioneer in the identification, prevention and treatment of mental illnesses, and the promotion of wellbeing. The Institute aims to improve the lives of people affected by mental illness through the rapid translation of high quality research into improved clinical treatments, increased accessibility to mental health services and delivery of long-term public health solutions.

Kids Helpline:
Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free, 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. For 25 years Australia’s kids and young people have been turning to the organisation’s professional and specialised counsellors.

Headspace:
Headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds, along with assistance in promoting young peoples’ wellbeing. This covers four core areas: mental health, physical health, work and study support and alcohol and other drug services.  

Acknowledgement of Country

Queensland Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.

Platinum Partners

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