Dubbo NRL: Souths Cares visits Dubbo schools ahead of Sunday’s match between the Rabbitohs and Raiders

Students in Dubbo were treated to rugby league clinics this week in preparation for Sunday’s NRL match between South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Canberra Raiders at Apex Oval.

Students in Dubbo were treated to rugby league clinics this week in preparation for Sunday’s NRL match between South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Canberra Raiders at Apex Oval.

More than 2000 kids from schools across Dubbo took part in the ‘Souths Cares’ program which aims at supporting disadvantaged communities by addressing the education, training, health and employment needs.

Former NRL fullback turned Souths Cares mentor, Rhys Wesser spoke to The Dubbo News about the initiative, after transitioning into a role with the program following an illustrious career on the field.

Yileen Gordon, Kyle Turner and Rhys Wesser with St Mary's Primary School students, Isobel Leonard and Harvey Sutcliffe on Friday. Picture: Aymon Bertah.

“It’s a great opportunity for Souths Cares to come out to Dubbo, leading up to the Canberra game,” Wesser said.

“We come out here every year and we deliver workshops around healthy relationships, mental health and wellbeing and also run a clinic just to engage young people to look after themselves and promote good, healthy choices.

“We see young people out here who don’t get to see rugby league at such a high level but a lot of the players in the NRL today come from small communities.

“They come from country towns and it’s important for our game now to come back into the community and look after those (people) and talk about those key messages.”

Having started in 2006 with a focus on social change, general manager Alisha Parker-Elrez highlighted the importance of “giving back” to marginalised communities.

“It’s all about ensuring that everyone is provided the same level of education and opportunities and for them to be the best version of themselves and make better choices in life,” Parker-Elrez said.

St Mary's Primary School students, Logan Nichols, Robbie Bell and Xanthe Brewer at the Souths Cares clinic on Friday. Picture: Aymon Bertah.

While many will flock to Apex Oval for the annual NRL game, it’s the hard work done in the background which most people don’t have the opportunity to see.

For Parker-Elrez, Souths Cares wants to repay the communities that are always “welcoming you”.

“It’s not just about the game, it’s what you do for and leave in the community,” Parker-Elrez continued.

“Whether it be through the key messages we are delivering around healthy relationships, reducing the stigma around mental health, education around smoking or providing opportunities through The University of NSW.

“It’s about getting kids active through footy drills, giving hope to some kids that may have made the wrong choice and giving local junior clubs the opportunity to run the canteens at Apex Oval to help them make a little bit of money to support grassroots rugby league.”

Eight-year-old Harvey Sutcliffe, was a key stand out from Friday’s clinic at St Mary’s Primary School, catching the eye of Wesser and the team, even earning a ticket to the game.

When asked who the Rabbitohs’ captain was, Harvey quickly answered – Cameron Murray.

“I knew Adam Reynolds left and he was the captain (last season), so I thought it was going to be Cameron Murray who I really like,” Harvey said.

The Souths Cares program doesn’t just involve former players like Wesser, with Jed Cartwright playing a big role in the visit to Dubbo.

Although he won’t feature on Sunday due to an injury, Cartwright discussed the need for players to engage with the younger generation.

St Mary's Primary School students, Peter Warman, Hugh Buckley, Ruby Lawson, Hunter Dixon and Sebastian (Bashie) Sykes, with Jed Cartwright from the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Picture: Aymon Bertah.

“Every rugby league player likes to give back to the community because we were all these kids once,” Cartwright said.

“We used to get excited when NRL players used to teach us things so to come out and put a smile on their face and hopefully teach them a few things is really special.

“It can get a bit lonely when you’re injured by yourself so it’s good to get out to a country town like Dubbo and give back, it makes you feel good about yourself and hopefully the boys can go out there on Sunday and we can all watch them win.”