Christian Welch is among a list of 34 current NRL players who has self-nominated to act as an NRL Community Advocate, supporting two of the biggest NRL community programs – State of Mind and Voice Against Violence.
Welch, 24, will promote the programs and create awareness around the positive work being undertaken game-wide.
Dale Finucane has also self-nominated to advocate for the State of Mind program, which aims to start positive conversations and reduce the stigma around mental illness.
NRL Head of Government and Community Relations, Jaymes Boland-Rudder congratulated the players on their commitment and said there were many players and officials that regularly promoted and took part in the Game’s community programs.
“Our State of Mind and Voice Against Violence programs are two of the most important in our game, dealing with issues that impact many communities,” he said.
“We will continue to use our collective voice across Australia and abroad to promote our work within communities and I want to thank the player advocates that have committed to amplifying awareness of mental wellbeing and violence prevention.
“I also want to thank our expert partners who lead our training and provide guidance to player advocates and our community team.
“With topics such as mental health and domestic violence, it’s crucial that we work closely to ensure our education, training and prevention is correct as we reach out to those that are part of our game – from fans to players; grassroots to our elite athletes.”
To learn more about the NRL’s State of Mind and Voice Against Violence programs, including a list of partners, visit www.nrl.com/community
A full list of players is below.
NRL State of Mind player advocates
Darius Boyd (Broncos)
Jayden Okunbor (Bulldogs)
Siliva Havili (Raiders)
Josh Dugan (Sharks)
Dale Copley and Michael Gordon (Titans)
Joel Thompson (Sea Eagles)
Christian Welch and Dale Finucane (Storm)
Hymel Hunt (Knights)
Michael Morgan (Cowboys)
Daniel Alvaro and David Gower (Eels)
Frank Winterstein and Wayde Egan (Panthers)
Dane Gagai (Rabbitohs)
Tariq Sims (Dragons)
Angus Crichton and Simaima Taufa (Roosters)
Paul Momirovski (Tigers)
Ruan Sims, Maddie Studdon and Sam Bremner (NRLW players)
NRL Voice Against Violence player advocates
Alex Glenn (Broncos)
Aiden Tolman (Bulldogs)
Joseph Tapine (Raiders)
Kyle Flanagan (Sharks)
Maxwell King and Michael Gordon (Titans)
Christian Welch (Storm)
David Klemmer (Knights)
Jake Granville (Cowboys)
Daniel Alvaro and David Gower (Eels)
Frank Winterstein (Panthers)
Braidon Burns (Rabbitohs)
Kezie Apps (Dragons)
Simaima Taufa (Roosters)
Ryan Matterson and Josh Aloiai (Tigers)
