Athletes are no strangers to adversity. From pushing their physical and mental limits on the field to coping with injuries, non-selection, media scrutiny, relationship breakdowns, and family trauma off the field, rugby league players are seemingly in constant battle-mode.
Sporing club well-being managers are often responsible for carrying the weight of player problems, mental and physical, on and off the field.
Cronulla Sharks NRL Club well-being manager Morgan Te Oka has guided and assisted players to navigate difficult times for the past two years, but when the responsibility to support others and to take on players’ trauma began to take its toll on her own well-being, she knew she needed to get help.
“You’re in a space where people are relying on you. You can get a lot of compassion fatigue,” Ms Te Oka said.
“I’m at the point where I’ve actually engaged external help for myself.
“As the saying goes, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
