RUGBY LEAGUE - DRAGONS
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Dragons hardman Joel Thompson has always preferred to let his football do the talking and it's on issues close to his heart where he believes rugby league speaks loudest.
The NRL's Close the Gap round will come a week early for the Dragons on Sunday in their final game in Wollongong this year, with the Red V to be accompanied by the iconic Illawarra Flame Tree on a jersey designed by local indigenous artist Kevin Butler.
Ordinarily he prefers to stay in the background but when it comes to Aboriginal issues, whether it be his own indigenous heritage or the work he does mentoring indigenous youth, it's Thompson as we rarely hear him; forthright, passionate and determined to make a difference.
A proud representative of the Ngiyampaa people from his remote home town of Ivanhoe in Western NSW, Thompson says the opportuntity to make a difference in indigenous communities is the biggest privilege he enjoys as an NRL star.
"Coming from humble beginnings I know there's a lot of areas that need to be improved in indigenous communities and as a rugby league player I feel I'm in a position now where I can give back," Thompson said.
"Rugby league's a huge part of the community and our voice is loud.
"The more involved we are out there in the communities and the more we're involved in these programs, it's definitely for the better.
"I know there is a gap there."
‘‘Definitely as a nation we’re going forward with different programs and different services that are available now in the communities but there’s still improvements that can be made and I love helping out. It’s very rewarding for me.’’
It’s an articulate message and Thompson does far more than just talk about it. ‘‘I work one day a week with Mission Australia helping to get indigenous kids into traineeships,’’ Thompson explained.
‘‘It’s an initiative to keep kids in school long-term and along with that I try to play mentoring role to help them with life issues or school issues or wherever they need some help. I’ve been doing that since being at the Dragons and I really enjoy it.’’
Thompson said he’ll be proud to wear the Illawarra Flame Tree on his chest against the Panthers on Sunday, a symbol of huge significance to Dharawal people of the Illawarra.
‘‘I really like the jersey and the concept of it representing this area. There’s a big Aboriginal population down here so it represents the area really well and it brings an awareness that’s needed with the concept of Close the Gap,’’ Thompson said.
‘‘It’s a great thing from the NRL and especially the Dragons.’’