Warrington Wolves and Huddersfield Giants will launch Super League’s State of Mind Round tomorrow night.
All seven top-flight round 25 fixtures are being staged to help raise the profile of the organisation.
State of Mind was formed in 2011 to increase awareness about mental health and fitness in an effort to prevent players suffering depression and contemplating suicide. The catalyst for this was the death of Great Britain hooker Terry Newton, who took his own life in September 2010
And fans arriving at the Halliwell Jones Stadium tomorrow night will have the chance to learn about what the State of Mind campaign is all about.
A State of Mind marquee will be set up at the Brian Bevan statue from 6pm, while volunteers from the charity will be at the game wearing T-shirts and giving out State of Mind mental fitness cards.
Players from both sides will also be wearing State of Mind T-shirts during the pre-match warm-up, as will half the dancers, mascot and ballboys.
Giants prop Eorl Crabtree is a State of Mind ambassador, and he’s delighted the whole issue of the mental health of rugby league players is being taken so seriously.
”State of Mind is a massive thing in rugby league, and I think mental health is important in all aspects of life,” said Crabtree.
“It’s sometimes overlooked in rugby league because it’s such a very masculine sport. It’s about putting your body on the line and not showing weakness.
“It’s not just about what’s on the field, it’s off the field too. It can be anything, but it all contributes to your mental health and your state of mind.
“For me personally, I’ve been through a few trials and tribulations as a rugby player. I’ve had moments when I’ve been pretty down and managed to come through the other side.
“I just managed to find a way, but if I’d had a support network like we have now, I think it would have been a lot easier.”
