Ten Wests Tigers players are attending this year’s NRL Rookie Camp where there won’t be a Steeden in sight.
Run by the NRL Wellbeing and Education team, in conjunction with the RLPA, Rookie Camp aims to educate our game’s youngest stars on the responsibilities and expectations that come with being a professional athlete.
Hosted by past players, the camp covers plenty of ground in a jam-packed schedule over two days.
Players will talk about a range of topics, including cultural awareness, respectful relationships, as well as social media and reputation.
They will also have a few media training sessions and receive advice on how best to manage their finances.
Attending the camp are Wests Tigers five development contract players: Kit Laulilii, Chris Faagutu, Tony Sukkar, Solomone Saukuru and Alexander Lobb.
They are joined by four players who are on top-30 contracts for the first time: Tallyn Da Silva, Josh Feledy, Lachlan Galvin, and Jordan Miller.
Triston Reilly, who made his NRL debut with Wests Tigers last season, is also in camp.
NRL Wellbeing and Education Manager Paul Heptonstall says the aim is to help players become better people for being part of our game.
“The rookie camp celebrates the player’s first NRL contract first and foremost, whether that’s top 30 or development,” said Heptonstall.
“It makes them aware of all the opportunities which are available to them, like increased finances, social media following and the ability to be a role model for the community and younger kids.
The camp also prepares them for increased expectations, where they are judged at a higher standard to the rest of the community.
Paul Heptonstall
"With that popularity and the increased ability to have an influence on the community, it can also go the other way too.”
Wests Tigers premiership player Dene Halatau is among the former players delivering the program.
