Toongabbie Tigers turn tragedy into learning experience with State of Mind rugby league day

When tragedy struck the Toongabbie Tigers Junior Rugby League Club, president Daryn Wilson promised it would never happen again; signing the club up for the State of Mind rugby league program.

Members of the club came together for a good cause at the Toongabbie Tigers mental health day. Junior rugby league include Bailey Clark, Larni Murphy, Georgia Bezzina, Aiden Dollin, Ella Moggridge, Kye Murphy and Emma Cutbush. Also with Malinda Um. Picture: Ian Svegovic

When tragedy struck the Toongabbie Tigers Junior Rugby League Club, president Daryn Wilson promised it would never happen again.

The club mourned the loss of father and volunteer David Murphy, who committed suicide last year, and prompted Mr Wilson and club members to take action on identifying signs of mental health issues.

“The way we see it, the club is not just for football — we’re here for every part of someone’s life, so when something like this happens, it’s up to us to rally and offer support,” Mr Wilson said.

Mr Murphy, 39, left behind a partner and four children aged from three to 14, who are all still part of the club.

“David was a real club man,” Mr Wilson, of Mara-yong, said.

The community came together to remember former members and raise awareness for mental health issues. Picture: Ian Svegovic

Club president Daryn Wilson wants to start educating the youngest members of the club, to let them know seeking help “isn’t weak”. Picture: Ian Svegovic

“Everyone knew him — he was a valuable member of our club, but besides that he was a partner and a father. We took it upon ourselves to start educating our members and letting them know that the club was here for them so this wouldn’t happen again.”

The Tigers are now a State of Mind club, a partnership program with Rugby League Cares, that aims to improve the mental health, wellbeing and working life of rugby league players and communities.

“There are things that are eye openers for anyone, and this was one for us,” Mr Wilson said. “We want to tell these players that you aren’t weak for looking for help, that we all go through issues and that there are places you can go and people you can talk to that can help.

“If that’s not us, we have so many contacts now of people who can.”

The club held a gala day for the charity headspace, including a match between Canley Heights and Rouse Hill Picture: Ian Svegovic

The club has 260 players, from its under-6 teams through to it's A grade side, and Mr Wilson sees this as an opportunity to engage with the full range of Tigers players about their mental health.

The club put on a mental health awareness day on Sunday to further hammer home the importance of talking about depression.

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