Penrith Panthers and Junior League address violence and antisocial behavior

“We’ve developed a culture at Panthers and we know that to continue building that culture, we have to start at the younger stadiums,” Mulhall said.

“By the time [the players] under 15 and 16 and eligible for inclusion in the roster, they know exactly what the culture is and if their behavior and style of play is acceptable.”

Breaches of the club’s code of conduct have fallen by 64 per cent since the first conference in 2020, an improvement Mulhall said he was surprised it had happened so quickly.

“It’s a direct result of this educational program,” Mulhall said. “The kids are responding really, really well, and the proof is in all these stats.”

The PDJRL is the only rugby league in the world to introduce mandatory cultural training, Mulhall said.

Players Noah Arneil and Charlie Taylor, both 13, have been playing rugby since they were around five years old. While they didn’t directly witness any violent behavior on the pitch, both felt the training was important.

“It makes us take the game more seriously,” Taylor said.

Charlie’s father, Craig, said he’s already noticed changes in player behavior.

“Rugby league has always had this fighting culture, and [the idea that] you have to prove yourself,” he said. “Overall, I think it’s getting better, but there’s still a way to go.”

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Superintendent Sam Crisafulli of the NSW Police Force Youth Command said police were concerned about violent behavior between young people. “Last year we had a number of high-profile incidents of youth violence.”

NSW Police have developed a video featuring NRL stars including Penrith’s Jarome Luai and Parramatta’s Junior Paulo to promote anti-violence messages. It was played this weekend and is being watched in every high school across the state.

“A little fame behind it doesn’t hurt,” said Crisafulli. “When the community, like teachers and especially parents, share this message, it becomes much more powerful.”

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