NRL providing support network through Battlefields to Footy Fields initiative

The NRL has stepped up to provide support for current and former Defence Force personnel through the Battlefields to Footy Fields program. 

The initiative has been helping veterans since its inception, with current project leader Troy Burgess among the first to pass through the program. 

Burgess was medically discharged from the ADF after serving for eight years, including stints in Afghanistan and the Solomon Islands. 

An ankle injury triggered the end of his time with the armed forces and the beginning of years of mental struggles as he attempted to reintegrate into society. 

Ultimately, the Battlefields to Footy Fields initiative provided a new support network and he hasn't looked back.

"I didn't adjust too well [after I broke my ankle]," Burgess told NRL.com. "I trucked on, went back and did some security work, but I wasn't coping too well mentally and I ended up in hospital.

"When I got asked about doing the program, I fobbed it off at first. I thought 'who would want to be a ref', but I quite enjoyed it. I saw the benefits I got from it and it put me outside of my comfort zone and one thing led to another. I know if I didn't take it up, I wouldn't be where I am today."

The Battlefields to Footy Fields program commenced by providing veterans with the opportunity to complete refereeing courses but has expanded significantly since its creation. 

Now, Defence Force personnel have the chance to engage in coaching and sports training courses while assistance is also provided to help children of veterans to play junior rugby league. 

More than 200 people have directly graduated from courses, with thousands benefiting from the programs offered through the Battlefields to Footy Fields initiative.

Burgess has run a series of events throughout the NRL's ANZAC Round, with State of Mind seminars held at various Defence bases.

Graduates of the program have been involved with rugby league matches featuring Armed Forces teams and will referee the clash between the Australian Defence Force and New Zealand Defence Force that will be played as a curtain raiser ahead of the annual ANZAC clash between the Dragons and Roosters at Allianz Stadium. 

For Burgess, it's just another example of the opportunities involvement in the program can provide on and off the field. 

"The mission of the program is to connect the veteran community to the civilian community using rugby league," he said. 

"We've got a bunch of community clubs we have agreements with. They get blokes off the base on weekends to help, whether it's with training or facilitating other events. 

"Other members have had access to other opportunities. We took one bloke to Samoa recently to help with an education program. The opportunities it opens are things they'd never usually get."