RUGBY LEAGUE
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Eels legend Nathan Hindmarsh made more than 10,000 tackles in his 14-year NRL career but none of those hits have been as big as the one he was in Mudgee for.
Hindmarsh visited Mudgee’s four schools to tackle bullying.
As part of the NRL’s community one program, Hindmarsh talked to the students at St Matthew’s Catholic, Cudgegong Valley Public, Mudgee Public and Mudgee High schools about the affects of bullying and what to do if you are being bullied.
Hindmarsh is a big supporter of stamping out bullying at schools and in other areas.
He said cyber bullying was a problem for many students these days.
“We cover all aspects. Talk about a bit of cyber bullying for the older kids like in Years Seven, Eight and Nine. Try to find ways on how you can deal with it and people you can talk to about it,” the NRL ambassador said.
“We are heavy on the by-stander. For so long they have been a bit intimidated and scared to get involved but we are trying to encourage them, if they do see something, help the person out who is getting bullied and report it to a teacher or a parent or a coach.
“We are at schools all the time and we know what’s going on at schools; we have our ear to the ground.
“Bullying is a big thing and there are unfortunate cases where kids take their own life because they are getting bullied.
“School is meant to be a fun, a safe place to go. Unfortunately in some instances, it is not for some people.
“We are trying to give them avenues to explore to try and help themselves out.”
Hindmarsh was big hit with the Mudgee students with many of them asking about his league career and his thoughts on the game.
Along with Country Rugby League development officers Wade Judd and Mick Armstrong, Hindmarsh held a coaching clinic at Mudgee High School.
The former Australian and NSW representative is now a commentator and he said he has enjoyed the transition even if it took a little long to get used to.
“As long as you’ve done your homework,” he said.
“With three young boys, it is not easy to watch all the games.
“It is hard not to be critical as a commentator. I want to give my piece of advice without being too critical.”