Dyldam Parramatta Eels forwards Ken Edwards and Manu Mau joined students from Greystanes High School this week as part of the Eels Educate lifestyle programs.
Under the guidance of the Head of Eels Educate, Melanie Crinion, the students worked through issues like drugs and alcohol, nutrition and respect for women with some input from the two second rowers from the Blue and Gold.
And while the students werent short of questions on nutrition, careers and goal-setting, Edwards says he and Mau were happy to draw on their own experiences to answer them.
Like I told the kids today, I can relate to troubled kids, he says.
Growing up I didnt have the best upbringing, and I enjoy working with troubled kids.
When I was their age I wish I had some blokes like us that are fortunate enough to play football for a living come out and see us and talk to us about stuff theyve been through that we could relate to.
After joining the Eels in 2013, and making his NRL debut in Round 26 against the Newcastle Knights, Edwards is eager to use his time at the Eels to continue his work with high school students and Eels Educate.
We inspire kids just by what we do, Edwards says.
We have that opportunity, and to work with these kids is awesome. If one or two of them can get something out of what weve brought today then Im cheering.
Under the guidance of the Head of Eels Educate, Melanie Crinion, the students worked through issues like drugs and alcohol, nutrition and respect for women with some input from the two second rowers from the Blue and Gold.
And while the students werent short of questions on nutrition, careers and goal-setting, Edwards says he and Mau were happy to draw on their own experiences to answer them.
Like I told the kids today, I can relate to troubled kids, he says.
Growing up I didnt have the best upbringing, and I enjoy working with troubled kids.
When I was their age I wish I had some blokes like us that are fortunate enough to play football for a living come out and see us and talk to us about stuff theyve been through that we could relate to.
After joining the Eels in 2013, and making his NRL debut in Round 26 against the Newcastle Knights, Edwards is eager to use his time at the Eels to continue his work with high school students and Eels Educate.
We inspire kids just by what we do, Edwards says.
We have that opportunity, and to work with these kids is awesome. If one or two of them can get something out of what weve brought today then Im cheering.
