NSWRL’s groundbreaking mental fitness and well-being program Changing Rooms, hosted by three-time Premiership winner and True Blue Paul Langmack, is about to enter its biggest year with about 10,000 people from more than 30 clubs expected to take part.
Langmack, NSWRL’s Community and Welfare Officer, has delivered the program to more than 11,000 people since it started in 2019.
He will also continue delivering his well-being messages to players at Junior Rugby League Clubs (ages 11-18) around issues including bullying, social media, and mental fitness.
“This year I wanted to visit clubs that have been really hard workers in trying to improve the support and care they provide for their players,” Langmack said.
“Having a good work ethic is a skill – just like being a great runner, passer or kicker of the ball.
“And if you have that work ethic, you’re more likely to be able to improve by being honest with yourself and taking responsibility for your own actions.”
Langmack will begin his talks on Thursday 20 March at the Narellan Jets Junior Rugby League Football Club (JRLFC). He will cover more than 3,500km in the first few months with 34 clubs already booked for the 30-minute session. He brings qualified social workers to help deliver Changing Rooms messages.
The clubs recognised will receive a signed Westpac NSW Blues Origin jersey and a box of NSWRL footballs. Langmack said he was receiving club requests weekly to come to speak.
“I gave the program the name Changing Rooms because you go into a change room and put your footy gear on and come out the other side ready to face whatever comes your way,” he said.
“And that’s what life is like. We can completely turn-around and change our attitude on how to be a better person, team-mate, partner, or friend.”
Langmack has delivered the program to diverse audiences including the Royal Australian Navy, First Nations groups, a NSW Parliamentary committee, and a variety of sporting codes as well as Rugby League.
This year Langmack is also hosting sessions at clubs and high schools from 6-9 May ahead of NSWRL’s Regional Magic Round in Tamworth (May 9-11), where 10 clubs from The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup do battle, along with a full round of Group 4 competition matches.
He will also speak with the Old Boys from Group 16 at Eden on the NSW South Coast, when they have their reunion weekend in May.
Clubs registered for Changing Rooms sessions include: Mascot JRLFC, Brothers Penrith, Blacktown City Bears, Mounties, Minchinbury Jets, Hills Bulls, North Ryde Hawks, De La Salle Caringbah, Aquinas Colts, Moorebank Rams, Nowra Warriors Juniors, Mittagong Lions, Berkeley Juniors, Dapto JRL, South Grafton, Turvey Park JRL in Wagga Wagga (21 May), Junee Diesels JRL (22-23 May), Bega Roosters, and Eden Seniors and Juniors.
Email plangmack@nswrl.com.au to book Changing Rooms for your club or organisation.
