Why NRL’s Indigenous Round is so special for me

Indigenous Round is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the world’s oldest living culture, writes South Sydney star Cody Walker in a special column.

• Smashing stereotypes: Cody, Latrell fly NRL’s Indigenous flag

Growing up, my brother and I would always fight over the same headgear.

It was Madison brand.

Exactly the same as Steve Renouf wore.

And because I always loved watching him with the Brisbane Broncos — early on, he was my favourite player — I was forever fighting over which of us got to wear it.

Being the youngest, I usually lost.

Same in the backyard games where all four of us brothers would play.

Cody Walker. Picture: Getty Images

Games where I’d usually finish up in the lounge room, crying to mum and dad because the others had bashed me again.

But to be honest, those times playing footy in the backyard — or kicking a ball around the backstreets with mates in Casino — they’re great memories.

And part of what makes this weekend so special for me.

Personally, I see Indigenous Round is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the world’s oldest living culture.

South Sydney star Cody Walker with report Matt Logue. Picture: Brett Costello

It’s a great way to showcase our communities, our skills and the talents of indigenous people.

And when it comes to rugby league, celebrating the freakish efforts of so many wonderful players who have that natural instinct which cannot be taught.

Steve Renouf was my favourite.

And later on, Preston Campbell.

He was a fella who never let size stop him from making the NRL, winning premierships, even taking out the Dally M Medal.

Yet off the field, Presto remained humble. Was forever helping others.

South Sydney star Cody Walker Cody Walker with head of sport Tim Morrissey as guest editor of League Central. Picture: Brett Costello

He’s a guy everyone has always respected and I think that’s something which deserves to be celebrated.

The support from the wider community for Indigenous Round is always great too and I’ve really loved having a crack at being guest editor for The Daily Telegraph’s League Central Indigenous round liftout.

There’s no denying that, for Aboriginal people, some negative stereotypes still exist. But I really feel like Indigenous Round is wonderful way of changing that.

Now that I’m playing with South Sydney, I really want to inspire young kids.

As indigenous Australians, we’re more prone to chronic disease than the rest of the population. Our life expectancy is also significantly lower than non indigenous Australians.

And the only way to change that is through education.

By explaining to kids the importance of diet, healthy lifestyle and making changes themselves.

One of the greatest joys I get out of playing rugby league at the elite level is that I get to help with this.

I have a great passion for helping people improve and achieve their dreams.

And to me, that is what Indigenous Round is also about.

Whatever your goal in life, go chase it.

LISTEN! The Panthers have gone from bad to worse, Mitchell Pearce has the Knights firing and Matty also pays tribute to Bob Hawke and Quentin Pongia. As always he is joined by Kenty and FInchy for rugby league’s best podcast.