The devastation that problem gambling can wreak and the positive steps people can take to heal that devastation are the twin issues under the spotlight in a premiere screening of the Australian feature film Broke with Screen Hunter and the Newcastle Knights on Sunday.
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The screening at the Tower Cinema will feature the film’s director Heath Davis, Steve Johnson (Psychologist and MD), Clint Newton from the Rugby League Players Association, Knights trio Robbie Rochow, Jake Mamo and Mickey Paea.
A mental health professional will be on hand for a Q&A session after the film screening.
Broke tells the fictional story of former North Sydney rugby league star Ben Kelly, whose life spirals out of control in retirement at the hands of alcohol and a gambling addiction.
In what is believed to be a first for the sport’s governing body, the National Rugby League has partly funded the film project in the hope it will also serve as an educational tool for its players.
Gambling addiction is a social problem that has had some high-profile casualties.
“Hopefully we can create a bit of a dialogue and get some understanding of an issue that statistics show is not going away any time soon,” Davis said.
“Aussies love an underdog story and Broke is exactly that.”
Multi-award winning producer Luke Graham, whose father was a rugby league player for the North Sydney Bears, said the film struck a chord with him.
“The film is close to my heart, family and upbringing, and based on a lot of players I got to know growing up,” Graham said.
“But, above all, it is a celebration of the human spirit much like our great game is.”
Knights education and well-being manager Phil Matthews said the film brought many societal issues out into the open.
“Substance abuse, gambling, mental illnesses and domestic violence are all significant social issues faced by our community,” Matthews said.
“When it occurs in an elite sporting environment, the consequences for the player, his family, the club and the game are heightened.
“Thankfully the NRL and the Knights have developed a comprehensive well-being program to reduce the likelihood and frequency of players making inappropriate life choices.”
Free and confidential problem gambling counselling can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1800 858 858 or www.gamblinghelp.nsw.gov.au
