Troubled footy star puts NRL career on hold to deal with mental health

TROUBLED FOOTY STAR PUTS NRL CAREER ON HOLD TO DEAL WITH MENTAL HEALTH

in a courageous move that has sent ripples through the nrl community, a troubled footy star has announced he is stepping away from the game indefinitely to prioritise his mental health. the decision has been met with widespread support from teammates, coaches, and fans, with many praising the player’s honesty and bravery in facing his struggles head-on.

the player, whose identity has been kept somewhat private out of respect for his wellbeing, made the announcement via a heartfelt social media post on friday morning. in the message, he revealed that the intense pressures of professional rugby league, combined with personal battles, had become overwhelming, and that he needed time away from the sport to focus on healing.

“this has been one of the toughest decisions of my life,” the post read. “footy has given me so much, but right now, i need to step away and focus on my mental health. i’ve been struggling for a while and tried to push through, but it’s caught up with me. i owe it to myself, my family, and my teammates to get the help i need.”

the player is believed to have been battling anxiety and depression for several months, with close sources revealing he had been “suffering in silence” while trying to maintain his place in a high-performing nrl squad. his form had noticeably dipped over the past season, and whispers around his mental state had begun to circulate within rugby league circles.

his club, which is among the top teams in the league, has thrown its full support behind him. in a statement released shortly after the player’s announcement, the club said: “we are fully supportive of our player’s decision to prioritise his health. mental wellbeing is paramount, and we will provide all the resources and support necessary to help him through this difficult time. we ask the public and media to respect his privacy and allow him the space he needs.”

teammates have echoed those sentiments, with several stars taking to social media to express their support. “takes real strength to do what he’s done,” wrote one senior player. “he’s one of the toughest blokes i know, and he’s doing the right thing by stepping back and getting help. proud of you, mate.”

the nrl has been increasingly proactive in recent years in addressing mental health among players, with initiatives such as the “state of mind” program and greater access to professional psychological support. despite these efforts, the sport continues to grapple with the high-pressure environment that often leads to mental health challenges among its athletes.

former players have also weighed in, some reflecting on their own struggles. retired nrl forward ryan hinchcliffe spoke to local media, saying, “when i played, we didn’t talk about this stuff. you just soldiered on, no matter how you felt inside. but it’s a different era now, and players are starting to realise that it’s okay to admit when you’re not okay. this guy is setting an example for the next generation.”

mental health experts have applauded the decision, noting the importance of public figures normalising conversations about mental wellbeing. sports psychologist dr. karen mcculloch said, “we often forget that athletes are human too. they face enormous stress, intense scrutiny, and the pressure to perform at all costs. by stepping away, this player is taking control of his mental health rather than letting it deteriorate further, which is both wise and incredibly strong.”

it’s not yet known how long the star will be out of the game. while some speculate he may return before the end of the season, others suggest he could sit out the remainder of the year — or longer — depending on his recovery. what is clear, though, is that his decision has reignited crucial conversations about mental health in elite sport and the need to prioritise wellbeing over performance.

fans have responded with empathy and admiration, flooding social media with messages of encouragement. hashtags like #itsoknottobeok and #supportourplayers have been trending across platforms as the rugby league community rallies around him.

the incident is also sparking wider discussions about how clubs and the league can better protect the mental health of their players. calls are growing for increased mandatory mental health check-ins, reduced stigma, and greater education around mental resilience from the junior levels right through to the nrl.

in recent years, several other high-profile players have taken similar steps, including dally m medallist james tedesco and queensland star cameron munster, both of whom spoke publicly about seeking help during tough personal times. their stories — and now this one — highlight a growing shift in sport culture, one that favours compassion and humanity over stoicism and silence.

while the player’s future in the nrl remains uncertain, what’s clear is that his willingness to speak up has already made a significant impact. in choosing to confront his issues openly, he’s not only taken the first step toward his own healing but also encouraged others to do the same.

as the league community stands behind him, it’s hoped that his story will be a turning point — one that strengthens support systems and reminds everyone that sometimes the bravest thing a person can do is ask for help.