Kiwi Rugby League Player Praised for Overcoming Mental Health Struggles

New Zealand rugby league player Brandon Smith has spoken openly about his journey to recovery, detailing his time in rehabilitation to address addictions to alcohol and gambling.

Speaking on The Bye Round podcast, Smith confirmed that he spent one month in a rehab facility to tackle these personal challenges. He stated that his party boy days have come to an end as he focuses on his comeback and professional stability.

Addressing Mental Health in Rugby League

Smith’s transparency regarding his struggle with addiction aligns with a broader trend of high-profile rugby league figures sharing their experiences with mental health and wellness to encourage others in the sport.

Greg Inglis, a State of Origin hero, has been one of the most vocal advocates for mental health awareness. In June 2019, Inglis was diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and bipolar 2.

Inglis later partnered with WayAhead for Mental Health Month 2024 to help others open up about their struggles. Research provided by the organization indicates that 78 percent of men who have suffered from mental health problems have hidden it from others, and one in three Australians have not sought treatment despite experiencing such issues.

Similarly, Paul Whatuira, a two-time premiership winner with Penrith in 2003 and Wests Tigers in 2005, has shared his history of battling depression and mental illness.

Whatuira visited the Vodafone Warriors to present an internal strength seminar, detailing a downward spiral that began in 2008 after moving to England to play for Huddersfield in the Super League.

It was becoming a father myself, and the responsibility of being a father that brought back those memories of the abuse and my surroundings… That’s when the mental health issues started to really hit me.

Paul Whatuira

Whatuira’s experience included a psychotic episode involving seven days without sleep, which eventually led to his enrollment in a secure mental health rehabilitation centre.

The Impact of Professional Pressure

The pressures of professional sports often contribute to these struggles. Recent reports have highlighted the mental strain present in high-pressure coaching and playing environments across rugby codes.

The openness of players like Smith, Inglis, and Whatuira highlights the shift toward prioritizing psychological welfare alongside physical performance in the NRL and international league circuits.

By addressing addictions and mental health diagnoses publicly, these athletes aim to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help in a traditionally tough sporting culture.