NRL: Andrew Abdo urges players to come forward after Cameron Munster’s addiction confession

In the wake of Cameron Munster’s shock addiction admission, NRL boss Andrew Abdo has called on any NRL stars struggling with addiction to ask for help.

Melbourne Storm star Cameron Munster. Picture: David Geraghty

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo has urged any player struggling with addiction to come forward and ask for help in the wake of Cameron Munster’s shock confession about issues with gambling and alcohol.

The Melbourne five-eighth told The Sunday Telegraph his life spiralled out of control as his addictions worsened over the last 12 months.

Munster revealed he lost $50,000 in one day during Covid lockdown and regularly losses around $5,000 at a time.

In the exclusive interview, Munster admitted to being ‘embarrassed’ by his afflictions, which lead to him gambling in the sheds before matches and in turn had an impact on his on field performances.

Abdo “commended” Munster’s bravery in speaking out and wants other NRL players to seek help, rather than suffer in silence.

“I commend any player who speaks out and puts their hand up and asks for assistance, we encourage them to do so,” Abdo said.

“Any one of our players or staff, anyone in the NRL family needs to take the first step with any problem, no matter what the problem is.

“Put your hand up and ask for help.

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Melbourne Storm star Cameron Munster has found support from NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo. Picture: David Geraghty

“Whenever a player is challenged by something, they need to know they can speak out, ask for help and we will put all our resources into helping that player.”

Munster, 27, was fined $30,000 and suspended for one week over the white-powder video scandal with Storm teammate Brandon Smith, which circulated on line after during grand final week.

Abdo encouraged players to come forward regardless of whether an NRL Integrity Unit indirection had taken place.

“Sometimes we are able to address the issue very early on in someone‘s career and sometimes it’s masked and only comes out later,” Abdo said.

“But it doesn’t really matter, even if someone has transgressed from an integrity perspective an important part of the process is rehabilitation, help and support.”

Munster isn’t the first player to candidly speak out his battle with addiction. Former Parramatta forward Nathan Hindmarsh admitted to losing around $200,000 on the pokies.

More recently, Manly star Kieran Foran revealed he was addicted to gambling in the early stages of his NRL career. Like Munster, Foran never gambled on rugby league, but admitted in 2017 to betting ‘big money’ on horses and greyhound racing.

Abdo said the NRL, along with clubs and the RLPA, helped to facilitate a number of education and well being programs within the game to help players identify when gambling or substance abuse was becoming an issue.

The RLPA funds the wellbeing and education programs to the tune of $2.6 million.

The NRL also offers players independent counselling services to encourage players to take the first step.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo wants players to reach out for help. Picture: Gaye Gerard

“A lot of players join the system very young and sometimes without the benefit of the opportunities that have been given to other people their age so we have a number of programs we run to help players identify issues around addiction, no matter what they are, whether it’s wagering or alcohol or other matters,” Abdo said.

“We also have welfare and well being officers at every club, the communication is managed at the NRL but there is a network of welfare officers to help the players.

“There is also independent support and counselling that then gets made available.”

Despite issues with gambling, Munster has been able to set himself up financially with four investment properties setting him up for life after football.

Former Brisbane forward Matt Gillett, who is navigating retirement, having played over 200 games for the Broncos believes the NRL has the structures in place to help transition into the next phase of their life.

“The NRL has been great,” Gillett said.

“They always reach out and let you know what’s available and what you can connect to.

“They always approach you to see if you’re going all right mentally as well.

“I’ve been fine transitioning and having good people around you is most important when you do leave footy.

“Depending on how many years you’ve been in the NRL, there’s the opportunity for the league to pay for a course as well.

“Rugby league is a short part of your life and players probably don’t realise that when they are in the bubble and you are playing footy.“