State of Origin 2022: Junior Paulo’s heartfelt plea to end gang violence in western Sydney
Behind the tough exterior of NSW Blues enforcer Junior Paulo is a loving father on a crusade to curb teenagers from a life of street violence in western Sydney.
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Footy fans see the image of a hard man with thick tattoos etched across his imposing physique. But beating within NSW State of Origin forward Junior Paulo is the heart of a loving father hoping to inspire change.
The Blues enforcer has spoken of his personal crusade to curb teenagers from a life of street violence following a spate of gang-related fights that have proven fatal across western Sydney.
Such has been the fear within the Penrith junior rugby league competitions, matches were suspended last month after police uncovered threats of gang violence at matches.
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Earlier this year, teenager Uati Faletou, 17, was killed in a stabbing attack at the Easter Show.
Paulo, the Parramatta Eels co-captain and NSW forward pack leader, not only demanded the “postcode wars” stop, but revealed how he was working first-hand to drive kids away from a life of violence.
“It makes me emotional just speaking about it,’’ Paulo said.
“It’s something that’s been going on for a while now and I think it’s very unfortunate for these families.
“A lot of the things that are happening now are coming from second-generation families who have come from overseas, whether it’s Polynesian or Asian, or Arabic communities, and it’s definitely something that’s got to stop.
“It’s not who our parents raised us to be and it’s not the sacrifice that our parents made when they came out (to Australia).
“We’ve all had our fair share of trouble, but when you’re faced with things like these, you’ve got to think about the sacrifices that our families have made to come over.
“A lot of these young generations that are fighting over postcodes, but what they should be fighting for is successful careers.
“Fight to strive to become better role models in our communities and that’s a position I’m very fortunate be in, to be a role model for the next generation.
“A lot of the guys in similar positions, across the NRL, or in the community want to lay the foundation to show our people the right way.
“As a kid myself, I’ve had my fair share of troubles and been on the wrong side of the tracks, but when you’ve got people to look up to and that support, it’s something that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
“As a Polynesian leader, you feel for these kids and the families that are suffering as well. You suffer as a community.
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“And when you see one of your own being caught up in this situation, it’s about trying to break the stereotypes of who you should be, but instead, who you could be in life.’’
Paulo is an ambassador for the PCYC of Cabramatta, Parramatta and Blacktown.
On his days off through the hectic NRL season, the 28-year-old visits the streets of Green Valley, near Liverpool, corralling the local youths for a game of touch footy at a local park.
“There’s a lot of good kids there. The programs that they (PCYC) are running are keeping the kids off the streets,’’ Paulo said.
“Our touch footy games are at least 20 on 20, we call it the village touch.
“When I do finish my footy career, I want to be able to leave a legacy and open up more avenues, not only as a footballer.
“Being a captain within the Eels is something I never imagined myself being in, but hopefully it gives the younger generation hope to look up and say why can’t we be in these positions.
‘If I can help one youth or 100 youths to be better and chase their dreams, then I’m doing my role. I’m a father too and I want to be able to raise a good son, who is respectful and with good morals.’’
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Originally published as State of Origin 2022: Junior Paulo’s heartfelt plea to end gang violence in western Sydney
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