As a part of the NRL's One Community Tackle Bullying program, Melbourne Storm players will visit over 10,000 primary school children across Victoria.
On Thursday, Storm players visited schools ranging from Mildura to Essendon and Bayswater to Melton as a part of the club’s commitment to the growth of rugby league in Victoria.
In 2014, the NRL’s Community Carnival takes a heavy focus on the code's Tackle Bullying program, aiming to empower students to stand up for themselves and others who are being bullied. Players and development officers will be equipped with educational resources developed with the Australian Catholic University (ACU), to speak to children, teachers and parents about empowering students and coping with difficult social situations.
Speaking at Melton Primary School, Storm fullback Billy Slater highlighted the importance of such visits to schools and community initiatives.
"Its a great opportunity for us to come out to the rural areas of Victoria and also the inner suburbs as well," Slater said.
"We're here at Melton Primary today going over a few things, number one is tackling bullying and trying to bring awareness to bullying and trying to stop as much of it as possible.
"There are cases out there where kids are being bullied and if we can play our part and try and stop that, then that's a job well done for us.
"We're trying to push the fact that even if you are a witness, maybe a friend of the bully, you can always stand up to them.
Players visiting schools across Melbourne: Billy Slater, Hymel Hunt, Cameron Smith, Tim Glasby, Junior Moors, Bryan Norrie, Dayne Weston, Travis Robinson, Ryan Hinchcliffe, George Rose and Ben Roberts.
Players visiting schools across Mildura: Cooper Cronk, Ben Hampton, Kenny Bromwich, Jordan McLean, Cody Walker and Felise Kaufusi.
Billy Slater and Hymel Hunt at Melton Primary School as a part of the NRL One Community's Tackle Bullying program.
