The National Rugby League (NRL) has announced a new partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander preventative health program Deadly Choices.
Developed by the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH), Deadly Choices aims to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to make healthy choices by eating nutritious food, being physically active, quitting smoking or vaping, and connecting with their local Community Controlled Health Service for a 715 Health Check (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health check focused on key areas of risk.)
The new partnership with the NRL complements Deadly Choices’ existing partnerships with the Queensland Rugby League, New South Wales Rugby League and a number of NRL clubs such as the Brisbane Broncos, Dolphins, Gold Coast Titans, North Queensland Cowboys, Cronulla Sharks, South Sydney Rabbitohs and Melbourne Storm.
As part of the partnership, earlier this year Deadly Choices featured as the front of the jersey sponsor for the Men’s and Women’s Indigenous All Stars teams.
Through these partnerships, a unique range of partner NRL club shirt designs have been created to be offered as an incentive for community members to complete a regular health check.
NRL Executive General Manager, Performance and Pathways, Tain Drinkwater said: “The NRL is delighted to further its support of Indigenous communities by partnering with Deadly Choices as we kick off NRL Indigenous Round 2024.
“A Deadly Choice is a Healthy Choice, and the Deadly Choices program is doing incredible work to drive healthier lifestyles in our Indigenous communities through a wide range of community-focused activities.
"We look forward to working with Deadly Choices to promote their important message throughout Indigenous Round and beyond.”
IUIH Director of Commercial Operations, Dallas Leon said. “Our proven preventative health model leverages sport as a vehicle to connect with communities. Deadly Choices has strong partnerships with a range of NRL and other sporting clubs.
“Deadly Choices linking with the NRL creates a perfect fit. We are excited to work together on the upcoming NRL Indigenous Round to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, while simultaneously promoting health messaging for Mob across Australia.”
Deadly Choices is also an official partner of NRL Magic Round, the Men’s and Women’s Ampol State of Origin Series and the Kangaroos and Jillaroos.
More information on Deadly Choices can be found at their website.
Up-to-date news and information on NRL Indigenous Round, including the latest education resources for fans, can be found at nrl.com/indigenous.