Peter V’landys made a vow to indigenous leaders that he would fight racism

ARL Commission chair Peter V’landys made a vow to indigenous leaders late last year that he would fight racism

Manly players Daly Cherry-Evans and Joel Thompson pose with the club’s indigenous jersey Picture: Brett Costello

ARL Commission Peter V’landys has opened up on his meetings with the game’s Indigenous leaders late last year where he gave them his word that he would help eradicate racism from the game.

V’landys had only been in the top job a short time when he was called in to defuse simmering tension over the treatment of South Sydney star Latrell Mitchell.

The first meeting took place on two days’ notice after V’landys was encouraged to meet with senior Indigenous players by fellow commissioner Megan Davis.

“It was pretty tense,” V’landys said on the eve of Indigenous Round.

“It wasn’t heated with me. They were nothing but respectful. But it was heated and that is why they asked for a meeting with me.

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“I had only just been appointed chairman. They just didn’t like what was going on with Latrell. They took the opportunity to express themselves on a number of issues in relation to Indigenous matters, I told them what we need to do is educate people.

“At the meeting, I rang the editors of the newspapers. I gave (the players) my word I would see this through. I am passionate about it, I do want to help them. I do want to make people more aware of the Indigenous situation.

“What people don’t understand is that we all as human beings have self-esteem. When somebody has a crack at you for what you are or what your race is, it lowers your self-esteem and makes you feel less of a person.

“I said I only wanted to come out on big issues as chairman. I believe in this issue, I believe in our Indigenous players. I want them to have a voice and people to understand like I did, that you need to educate yourself before you make comment.” V’landys had a further meeting with NRL players Joel Thompson, Ryan James and Tyrone Roberts only a matter of weeks ago to set up the strategy for Indigenous Round.

James and Roberts were among those who attended the meetings late last year, the pair showing their desire for change by flying from the Gold Coast to Sydney and then back again later the same day.

“What I was impressed with the most was how passionate they were about their community,” V’landys said.

“They understood they were role models. When you listened to them you understand the situation a lot more.

“I was disappointed in myself that I didn’t have that level of detail. They were very clear – they said racism still exists, not in the NRL, but underneath that level there is racism.

“One of the things we wanted to do is use the cause to eradicate racism, and not just for Indigenous people.”

V’landys is intent on driving change. He was front and centre at the launch of Indigenous Round this week.

He has given the game’s Indigenous leaders a hotline to the apex of the sport. He wants to hear their thoughts and concerns.

“They have a voice,” V’landys said.

“They have a voice direct to the top of the NRL.”