THE initiative and bravery of Intrust Super Cup players Isaak Ah Mau and Petero Civoniceva as well as Queensland Rugby League officials is set to have an even bigger impact than they imagined.
The Intrust Super Cup's Turn to Me campaign, which aims to break down the stigma attached to depression, is set to be adopted by several NRL clubs.
In fact the NRL is considering making the last round of the 2013 competition the Turn to Me round.
The North Queensland Cowboys will definitely adopt the campaign for their final game of the season.
Ah Mau and Civoniceva were key figures in the creation of the campaign and featured in Channel Nine advertising.
The original Intrust Super Cup promotion was a great success as I have heard several stories involving ISC players opening up about their battle with depression in response.
I'm sure it will have the same impact when the NRL adopts it.
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WHISPERS that former Wynnum Manly coach Paul Green is heading north to coach the North Queensland Cowboys are intensifying and if he does get the gig he is sure to take Seagulls hooker Jake Granville with him.
The hooker position is the Cowboys' most contentious and while Ray Thompson has performed well in the role in recent weeks there is still no backup.
Granville has been unlucky to play just two NRL games this year for the Brisbane Broncos and understandably is desperate to have an extended NRL run.
Granville is dripping in first grade quality and offers what the Cowboys have little of, speed around the ruck.
While Thompson is crafty and an excellent defender, Granville possesses the flair and athleticism to punch holes through the middle of the defence in a fashion similar to South Sydney star Isaac Luke.
It is understood the Cowboys are also looking at handing successful Northern Pride coach Jason Demetriou more responsibility at the club next season.
Cowboys officials have been highly impressed with Demetriou's ability to produce stand out performances from his players.
In his first season at the club, and with a largely new roster, Demetriou has seen the Pride all but secure the minor premiership on 34 points, six clear of nearest rivals Mackay, and become favourites for the Cup premiership.
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WHAT a coup for Tweed Heads to lure veteran first grade coach and administrator Shaun McRae to their club.
McRae replaces outgoing CEO Terry Keen who will retire from the role at seasons end.
After a successful coaching career, McRae moved into administration and is currently employed as Director of Football for Hull FC who will play in the Challenge Cup final in just under a fortnights time.
The ex-South Sydney head coach's move back home is another sign of the strength of the Intrust Super Cup.
On Tweed Heads, their move from third to sixth on the ladder all because of a one point loss to Norths Devils last weekend shows how thrilling the final three weeks of the regular season will be.
The Easts Tigers 50-10 win over the Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles is the confidence-boosting victory clubs love at this time of year.
They are real threats to the Pride.
Easts five-eighth Cody Walker scored another raft of points, this time 22, through two tries and seven conversions.
He is bound to be signed by an NRL club in the off-season.
The Intrust Super Cup's Turn to Me campaign, which aims to break down the stigma attached to depression, is set to be adopted by several NRL clubs.
In fact the NRL is considering making the last round of the 2013 competition the Turn to Me round.
The North Queensland Cowboys will definitely adopt the campaign for their final game of the season.
Ah Mau and Civoniceva were key figures in the creation of the campaign and featured in Channel Nine advertising.
The original Intrust Super Cup promotion was a great success as I have heard several stories involving ISC players opening up about their battle with depression in response.
I'm sure it will have the same impact when the NRL adopts it.
***
WHISPERS that former Wynnum Manly coach Paul Green is heading north to coach the North Queensland Cowboys are intensifying and if he does get the gig he is sure to take Seagulls hooker Jake Granville with him.
The hooker position is the Cowboys' most contentious and while Ray Thompson has performed well in the role in recent weeks there is still no backup.
Granville has been unlucky to play just two NRL games this year for the Brisbane Broncos and understandably is desperate to have an extended NRL run.
Granville is dripping in first grade quality and offers what the Cowboys have little of, speed around the ruck.
While Thompson is crafty and an excellent defender, Granville possesses the flair and athleticism to punch holes through the middle of the defence in a fashion similar to South Sydney star Isaac Luke.
It is understood the Cowboys are also looking at handing successful Northern Pride coach Jason Demetriou more responsibility at the club next season.
Cowboys officials have been highly impressed with Demetriou's ability to produce stand out performances from his players.
In his first season at the club, and with a largely new roster, Demetriou has seen the Pride all but secure the minor premiership on 34 points, six clear of nearest rivals Mackay, and become favourites for the Cup premiership.
***
WHAT a coup for Tweed Heads to lure veteran first grade coach and administrator Shaun McRae to their club.
McRae replaces outgoing CEO Terry Keen who will retire from the role at seasons end.
After a successful coaching career, McRae moved into administration and is currently employed as Director of Football for Hull FC who will play in the Challenge Cup final in just under a fortnights time.
The ex-South Sydney head coach's move back home is another sign of the strength of the Intrust Super Cup.
On Tweed Heads, their move from third to sixth on the ladder all because of a one point loss to Norths Devils last weekend shows how thrilling the final three weeks of the regular season will be.
The Easts Tigers 50-10 win over the Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles is the confidence-boosting victory clubs love at this time of year.
They are real threats to the Pride.
Easts five-eighth Cody Walker scored another raft of points, this time 22, through two tries and seven conversions.
He is bound to be signed by an NRL club in the off-season.