The evening was hosted by Jerry Seuseu and Ali Lauiti’iti, who work in the wellbeing space at NZRL. Shontayne Hape and Jimmy Samu were also in attendance to share stories and experiences, alongside Cliff Thompson of Sports Chaplaincy New Zealand. The evening consisted of a korero about mental wellbeing, followed by a shared meal amongst the group. The NZRL wellbeing team provided tips and tools for identifying what mental health issues may look like in those around us and guidance for offering a helping hand to those who may be struggling.

The session also created an internal awareness of ways to monitor one’s own wellbeing on a day-to-day basis, looking into techniques that professional players use to maintain a healthy balance.

It was a promising turnout for the first wellbeing initiative put on by Simon Watson and the Glenfield club. “It was a fantastic event”, Watson said. “I wasn’t too sure what to expect, but it exceeded my expectations.”

“It was a really well-run evening, with a mixture of seriousness, humour, and group interaction,” Watson stated that the feedback from those who attended was very positive. “There was talk in the club for days afterwards about how beneficial it was.” The Wellbeing Waka was just the start of the club’s wellbeing journey as they are working towards a men’s walking group, allowing a space for discussion that may not come up in everyday settings. There will be an all-inclusive project going forward.

The Wellbeing Waka, run by New Zealand Rugby League and Le Va, has visited many other clubs in Tāmaki Makaurau and throughout Aotearoa, including Manurewa, in the week following the Glenfield visit.