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Rugby League’s Match Officials will lead the sport’s annual focus on physical and mental health in Betfred Super League’s Tackle the Tough Stuff round this weekend.
Marcus Griffiths, a member of the full-time match pfficials squad who was the subject of homophobic abuse during the 2023 season, joins his colleagues in speaking honestly and powerfully about the highs and lows of their role in a video that has been released ahead of the Round 17 fixtures.
Other personalities and stories highlighted include:
Tyler Dupree, the Wigan Warriors and England forward, whose inspirational journey was featured in the Super League Stories series – and who will line up against St Helens in Friday night’s heavyweight derby at The Brick Community Stadium;
Isabel Rowe, the young Warriors half-back who made her England debut in France last month, and has worked with Wigan’s anti-poverty charity The Brick;
Jodie Cunningham, the St Helens and England captain, who plays a key role in the club’s Reminisce Café tackling issues around dementia;
‘Y’alright’, the campaign launched by Warrington Wolves to tackle issues around depression – ahead of their home fixture against Leeds Rhinos on Thursday night.
Paul Wood discusses the importance of Rugby League Cares’s work both for players and throughout the wider community.
In addition, heart screening will be available to Wigan and St Helens supporters at The Brick Community Stadium on Friday evening – when the old rivals clash in both the Men’s and Women’s Super League.
RL Cares Chief Executive Chris Rostron said: “We’re really proud to continue in our role as the charity partner of Super League’s mental and physical health campaign, Tackle the Tough Stuff. The initiative is a brilliant way of showcasing all the work that is being done in the sport’s communities to help players and fans alike during testing times.
“In a world where you can be anything, choose to be kind. This year we take inspiration from Rob Burrow CBE, Lindsey Burrow and Kevin Sinfield, encouraging fans to do their best in taking care of one another.
“The past few years have been incredibly difficult for everyone, leaving many feeling anxious, isolated, or bereaved. Many people from the rugby league heartlands have been disproportionately affected by the cost-of-living crisis.
“Over three million people in the UK are now dependent on foodbanks each year, and one in four of us suffer from a form of mental health problems so there has never been a more important time for us to Tackle the Tough Stuff.”
A full copy of Marcus Griffiths story can be found here
