Paul Gallen and Nate Myles fight…for men to talk about their feelings

Two of the toughest rivals in State of Origin history, Paul Gallen and Nate Myles have joined forces to encourage people to seek help for mental health issues. The “What’s Your State of Mind” campaign is aimed at breaking down stigmas around mental health and reminding people that it’s ok to seek help.

Some of Australia’s most prominent mental health service providers have joined forces for the State of Mind campaign. They include Headspace, Beyond Blue, SANE Australia, Lifeline, Black Dog Institute, Davidson Trahaire Corpsych, Kids Help Line and MensLine Australia

Paul Gallen said today that it was important for the community to realise that mental health problems could affect anyone in the community.
“Mental health affects 1 in 5 Australians and I think it is an important issue that needs to be addressed

“Campaigns such as these help break down the stigma that is often attached to issues such as depression and hopefully it will encourage people to seek help if they are in need.
Nate Myles said he was proud to be part of the campaign.
“Depression is often seen as weakness but it takes enormous courage to put your hand up and ask for help.

“The NRL has put together a campaign that is a little bit cheeky, but hopefully it will encourage everyone, particularly men, to do just that.”

Gallen keen on booze-free Blues

NEW South Wales skipper Paul Gallen says he would support a booze ban for the State of Origin series, revealing he will lead by example and abstain from drinking in Blues camp.

In recent years the Blues have been dogged by off-field dramas involving alcohol.

With nine straight series losses at stake, Gallen revealed he spoke to Daley about the drinking culture and the best way to handle it heading into the series opener.

“I’ve spoken to Laurie (Daley) very little over the past three or four weeks – the amount of pressure he must be under must be immense – but I did talk to him last week and I said I’m not going to push (an alcohol ban) on the players but I’m not going to drink,” Gallen said on Sterlo.

Read more at Fox Sports

Sterlo picks his NSW team

Triple M’s Peter Sterling has picked his Blues team for Origin Game One, playing Jarryd Hayne at centre with Josh Dugan at fullback. He also chose one debutant – Manly winger Jorge Taufua.

“I’d go [Josh] Dugan. I still think Jarryd Hayne can have a huge influence in the centre position,” said Sterlo, on Triple M NRL.

“And i was convinced on what I saw down in Melbourne, I’d have Jorge Taufua on the other flank. He’s not the kind of build that NSW has usually gone for in previous seasons, but he’s strong. He brings the ball back and out of the trouble area as good as any winger in the game.

Read More at Triple M NRL

Gutted Daley almost quit Blues: Gallen

NSW captain Paul Gallen has revealed that a devastated Blues coach Laurie Daley nearly relinquished the role after his charges’ heartbreaking loss to Queensland in last year’s Origin series.

“He wasn’t going to do the job again this year; he was shattered after last year – as we all were,” Gallen told SportsFan.com.au.

Gallen also said NSW may have unearthed a potential match-winning star in the making in Roosters winger Daniel Tupou.

“The big winger from the Roosters… Tupou, he could be a bolter possibly,” Gallen said.”He’s an Israel Folau type body shape – big and tall – and when you kick a ball to him like that … probably nine times out of ten he’s going to score.”

Read the full story at SportsFan.com.au