EXCLUSIVE

Aussie league star Andrew Fifita is to bring his message about mental health to New Zealand.

CONTROVERSIAL Australian rugby league star Andrew Fifita has a simple message for Kiwi youngsters facing mental illness – it ain’t weak to speak.

The NRL star will speak to young Christchurch players about wellness and suicide prevention ahead of the Pacific Series 2016 tournament on November 10.

Two years ago, Fifita opened up on national TV in Australia about his battles with depression and a suicide attempt.

Christchurch social services agency He Waka Tapu and the Aranui Eagles rugby league club arranged for Fifita to talk at a pretournament event to promote well-being among the mainly Maori and Pacific players.

He Waka Tapu general manager Dallas Hibbs said Fifita was known as a highly successful, fun-loving and generous man and would be listened to by the players.

‘‘Because of those attributes... we know that when Andrew wants to have a serious conversation that there will be other people that may tune in to him.’’

Fifita became a grand final hero last month when he scored the winning try in the Cronulla Sharks’ first national premiership win.

Days later, he was blocked from selection for the Kangaroos national squad for his off-field actions.

The 27-year-old is under investigation by the NRL’s integrity unit for his support for jailed long-time family friend Kieran Loveridge, who is serving a 10-year prison sentence for a lethal one-punch attack on Thomas Kelly in 2012.

When he comes to Christchurch next week Fifita will face another challenge – encouraging young Pacific and Maori players to open up about their feelings.