Conducted via video technology, two young Sharks have been put through the 2022 NRL Rookie Camp in covering off on a range of issues relevant to rugby league players and young people today.
Assisted by Sharks Welfare and Education Manager Jeff Robson, Ryan Rivett and Kade Dykes took part in the four-hour presentation which was hosted by former player David Solomona and included a welcome from NRL CEO Andrew Abdo and the head of the Rugby League Players Association in Clint Newton.
Both Rivett and Dykes are on the Sharks Development list and are currently going through their second full NRL pre-season.
A tall, rangy, half back with a strong kicking game, Rivett has joined the Sharks from the Gold Coast, while Dykes, a fullback with speed and footwork, hails from the local De La Salle Caringbah club and has come through the club’s pathways system.
After the welcome from Abdo and Newton, the pair engaged in presentations from Solomona, Dean Widders and Jamie Buhrer concerning player support, cultural awareness and RLPA services available, heard from Alan Tongue as to looking after their personal brands and ethics, before Joel Caine spoke on the rules, challenges and pitfalls as they relate to gambling.
The NRL Code of Conduct, covering alcohol, illicit drugs, respect, vilification, criminal association, sexual consent and social media was presented by Adair Donaldson, before long-time NRL trainer Craig Catterick explained and detailed anti-doping rules and codes.
Solomona closed the ‘virtual’ camp with a re-cap and farewell.
The Rookie Camp is an annual event presented to the next wave of NRL stars.
