INCREASING the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders playing in the NRL and making clubs more culturally aware will be among the aims of the Australian Rugby League’s Indigenous Council.
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Mal Cochrane from Taree is one of five new council members. Cochrane started playing rugby league in the former Taree and District Rugby League with the Lions club. One of the stars of the unbeaten Australian Schoolboy team that toured France and England in 1979, Cochrane joined Manly in 1981. A Rothmans Medal winner for the game’s player of the year in 1986, Cochrane, a hooker, won a premiership with the Sea Eagles in 1987. He has remained closely involved with the game since retiring as a member of the NRL judiciary and through the Indigenous All Stars game. He was named as hooker in the Indigenous Team of the Century chosen as part of the 100 years of rugby league in Australia celebrations in 2008.
In 2016 12 per cent of NRL players, and four per cent of staff identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders.
Cochrane, 55, said he felt humbled to be asked to join the commission and he is enthusiastic about the role it will play in advancing the cause of indigenous players.
“We want to provide strategic advice to the NRL pertaining to any issues involving to indigenous or Torres Strait Islanders,’’ he said.
The council will be led by Linda Burney MP, the first Aboriginal woman elected to the House of Representatives. Cochrane is one of three members appointed by the CEO. Cochrane said NRL clubs are now more culturally aware then they were in his playing days.
“It can be a tough gig for any kid moving to Sydney, but it can be especially daunting for a young Aboriginal kid,’’ he said.
Cochrane was 20 when he made the move from Taree. However, he quickly added that outside influences made the transition easier.
“I joined the police force. That taught me discipline,’’ he said.
A close association with the Meldrum family during his teenage years in Taree also helped break down barriers. as did playing in with number of sporting clubs including league, soccer, cricket, hockey and surf life saving.
“I’d also been to year 12 and that helped. But there were times when I wanted to pack it in and go home, but knowing I had a good job was a motivation to stay here.’’
Cochrane had an information day with the council last week.
“My head’s still spinning after that,’’ he laughed.
The appointment will be for the next three years. In that time Cochrane has set himself one goal.
“I want to make a positive contribution and I want make a difference,’’ he said.
