Newcastle Knights players have key role in helping young teens stay out of trouble and dream big
Newcastle Knights stars are inspiring young locals to think twice about crime and to dream big, with police saying that the message is changing lives.
NSW
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It was a whole lot of fanfare for just 12 kids – a ride in a police boat, a four-wheel-drive trip through sand dunes and a meet-and-greet with stars from the NRL’s Newcastle Knights.
But if the two-day program organised by NSW Police in the Hunter Region turns the life around of just one kid, then it’s worth every second.
“We had 12 kids who are at a crossroads in their lives and gave them opportunities they might never get,” Port Stephens Commander Superintendent Wayne Humphrey said. “Some people may say putting all that effort into 12 kids is a lot, but if one kid refrains from a decision that affects him and someone else for the rest of their lives then it’s a win. This is not necessarily standard police work; it’s having a social conscience and wanting to do something about youth crime and giving kids role models and a clear vision of a way forward.”
Knights Adam Elliott, Bradman Best and Dylan Lucas teamed up with the police just hours after their crushing home defeat to the Roosters on Thursday to share their successes and struggles with the teens.
“The kids were a bit stand-offish at the start, but by the end of the day they were engaging, having some fun with us, and going up and thanking people without being asked,” Superintendent Humphrey said. Every NSW command had problems with youth crime, he said, his being one of the top 10 areas in the state, but by interacting with kids at a “micro level”, things could change.
“We start with little steps and bringing in the footy players, like they’ve done in the western region (that) is a great start and the day was such a success,” he said.
Newcastle lock Elliott told the kids he had been through his fair share of wrongdoing, but wanted others to learn from his mistakes. “Part of the reason we are so passionate is because we can see the impact we can have on this community,” Elliott said.
“The continued support and reminder that they can make the right choices is something that we can help with and will continue to do.”
Teammate and NSW Blues centre Best wants to be able to share his story and advice to help them pave a better life for themselves and hopefully send them a long way.
“They need to have a goal, dream big, and no matter what it is, stick to it,” Best said.
“I hope they aspire to be like me, or any of their role models. If they can see me and be inspired to chase a goal, try to chase footy they are on the right path.”
Rookie Knights backrower Lucas just wants to be a shoulder to lean on and do the small things that will make a big difference in someone else’s life.
“It’s easy to get up early in the morning for me, these kids need a bit of guidance, and I’m here to push them in the right direction and give them someone to lean on,” Lucas said.
Co-ordinator of culture heritage and education at the Murrook Cultural centre, Justin Ridgeway, believes crimes arise because youth have a lack people to look up to.
“A lot of these kids that are out there getting themselves into trouble are doing it because they don’t have the role models engaging with them, “ Ridgeway said.
“They don’t have a sense of belonging, so they feel as though they are not worth anything, which makes them go, ‘what the heck, let’s go get in some trouble’.”
Ridgeway said having the Knights and other NRL players there helped show kids they were not alone and people did care about them. “No one is forcing them (players) to be here; they come on their days off and spend a lot of time with the kids and teach them invaluable lessons,” he said.
“The most important thing is they have fellas like the Knights, and a space like we have here, to give them an opportunity to get connected.”
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