Sam Burgess praises NRL’s 21-day resilience program for players

SOUTH Sydney skipper Sam Burgess has praised the NRL’s 21-day resilience program, used by some of the game’s biggest names to help promote positive mental health.

Burgess speaking to the media about Greg Inglis. Photo: Phil Hillyard

IT is the 21-day program used by some of the NRL’s biggest names to help promote positive mental health.

The Sunday Telegraph has obtained the journal designed by The Resilience Projects’ Hugh van Cuylenburg.

The daily tasks are designed for people to feel happy more often, be more alert, determined and sleep better. South Sydney skipper Sam Burgess and wife Phoebe have used elements of the booklet.

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Burgess speaking to the media about Greg Inglis. Photo: Phil Hillyard

“We use it a bit,” Burgess said. “It gave us something we can discuss. You can think about your day and you can compartmentalise good, bad and acknowledge and then move on.

“I’ve done a bit of work previously with mindfulness and mind training. It helps you keep things in perspective and acknowledge good and bad things and draw a line in the sand so you can move on.

“Staying in the present and keeping your energy and your focus where you are at the time rather than two days ahead of you or two days behind you. You can focus on what’s important

“Being grateful for what you’ve got. It might sound stupid but you need to appreciate the little things you have and you can enjoy yourself a bit more.”

The booklet is compulsory for players in under-16 and under-18 representative pathways teams across Australia and New Zealand. It is just one part of the NRL’s State of Mind program which not only targets the mental health of the elite players, but also at the grassroots level. The program — now in its third year- aims to reduce stigma around mental health and suicide.

Part of this is by having 30 State of Mind ambassadors — who are active players and referees — to help drive the NRL’s message.

Ex-international Reni Maitua also delivers his powerful message to budding NRL superstars and bush footballers alike. Maitua suicide attempt while playing for Parramatta in 2013 was foiled by good friend Willie Tonga.

Reni Maitua says players need to understand help is there for them. (Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

“When I was coming through as a player in 2004, mental health (awareness) was at its infancy,” Maitua said. “It wasn’t something we spoke about.

“I went through rehabilitation myself and group therapy I’m still learning and continuing to do better for State of Mind and mental health.

“I did a talk in front of the rookie squad during the pre-season and it was very daunting. It brought back a lot of emotion. I have an obligation to spread the message.

“It’s about getting help. All I could see was what was in front of me. I didn’t see the broader perspective of what was happening outside of reality. It’s about getting help. As soon as I got help my vision was open and I could see more what was going on in my life. It put everything in perspective.

“Be brave, it’s not week to go out and seek help.”

If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline or call 13 11 14.