True Blue and triple premiership-winner with Canterbury-Bankstown, Paul Langmack, was in awe of Sky Blues forward Sarah Togatuki after she helped him run a NSWRL “Changing Rooms” session before dashing off to play her weekend club game for the North Sydney Bears.
“It’s that sort of commitment to the game of Rugby League, and all that we stand for, that I really admire in someone like Sarah,” Langmack said.
Togatuki, who has played the past three years in the Harvey Norman NSW Sky Blues pack, is a qualified social worker.
But she combines her professional and Rugby League careers by helping with Langmack’s highly-successful “Changing Rooms” program, which encourages children aged six to 18 to look after their mental fitness.
Langmack was speaking with girls from the Como-Jannali Crocodiles JRLFC at the Yarramundi YMCA, near Richmond in western Sydney last weekend.
He invited Togatuki and former jockey Samantha Gordon – also a qualified counsellor – to help spread the messages of personal strength and resilience.
Togatuki was more than happy to help but had to leave in time to travel the 120km south to Wollongong to play for the Bears against the Illawarra Steelers in round seven of the Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership. The Bears won 32-12.
“I told the girls Sarah was a premiership winner with the Roosters (2021), has won State of Origin (2022), and that they could watch her on TV in the next NRLW and Origin campaigns this year,” Langmack said.
“And they were very impressed – hung on her every word and wanted photos with her afterwards.
“I knew she would captivate them and I’m going to use her more often, because Rugby League has given her an opportunity and now she’s happy to be giving back.
“Her experiences in life and football are invaluable for young girls having to deal with all the pressures society-social media puts on them these days.
“And while girls are already good listeners, women like Sarah and Samantha can really connect with the kids and help make a difference to young lives.
“I was just so grateful she made time for the Crocodile girls and was still there for her Bears teammates.”
Those interested in booking “Changing Rooms” for their school, club or community group should email: plangmack@nswrl.com.au
