Alan Tongue and David Shillington visit Wagga schools talk equity and respect

Former Canberra Raiders captain Alan Tongue said it was part of the community blitz ahead of the game on Saturday.

"It's an opportunity for us to share a message around the prevention of domestic violence," he said.

"We use Rugby League as a way to start that conversation with young people."

David Shillington, a former Raiders star who played State of Origin and for Australia internationally, said they use drills as a way to engage the students.

"For a long time, sports has been a great platform to drive social change and that's what we are doing here," he said.

"When we do these rugby league drills, they are the drills we did as rugby league players and a lot of teams are still doing them, mixed in are important messages and education around what we are talking about.

"Not every young person likes to learn in a classroom."

Mr Tongue said it was important to talk about domestic violence across all age brackets.

"We have focused on young people and empowered them to know they can be leaders of that change going forward," he said.

Mount Austin High School student Kori-Paige Carr, 17, said they played a few games which taught them how to communicate and speak up.

"Domestic violence is a big thing and if you don't talk you won't get help," she said.

Council's Director Community Janice Summerhayes said the visit is a result of the partnership between Council and the Canberra Raiders to host an NRL game in Wagga on Saturday.

"His work to promote healthy and respectable relationships, build self-esteem and saying no to violence are the messages we are using to promote equity and respect through our grassroots project.

"Alan was a strong leader on the football field and is now a strong advocate for developing and fostering relationships built on respect."

Ms Summerhayes said as they are leading a community campaign working to prevent domestic violence in our community, they need to work from the ground up.

"We need to promote and normalise gender equality in public and private life," she said.

"Having our young people thinking about the importance of building strong, trusting relationships is key to instilling positive attitudes and behaviours for life.

"If we can stop the disrespectful behaviour before it starts, then we are building strong foundations for our community to have in their future relationships."

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