Clubs call out for support to deal with tragedy
ROD Hill has shed too many tears to remember in the past 18 months.
The president of the Tugun Seahawks has mourned the loss of three players to suicide and, like other clubs on the Gold Coast, is still seeing the flashing red lights today.
“For me, watching all this happen, I’ve tried so hard to support the young ones and be the shoulder to cry on,” said Mr Hill.
“I’m gutted we’ve had to say goodbye too soon to these bright young men that become like your sons.
“It’s the most heartbreaking thing I’ve ever had to face and I can’t do it again.”
For the first time, Mr Hill and officials from other clubs rocked by suicide have united in a bid for help.
“There are heaps of boys still battling with depression and none of us are qualified as welfare officers,” said Burleigh Bears chief executive Damien Driscoll, who lost 20-year-old shining star Hayden Butler last year.
“They (NRL) gave us a hotline number after Hayden and it’s not ideal. We’re doing the best we can to support the boys but we need help. Even if it’s training the coaches to be proper qualified welfare and education officers, we’ll be happy with anything.
“The reality is this is an ongoing issue.”
Runaway Bay president Grant McMahon, whose club lost 16-year-old Tristan Geraghty last year, said he was scared it would happen again.
“You have to tell these boys exactly what happened so they know it’s OK to talk about it, but we need to have the conversation more.”