The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys will tonight wear their convictions on their sleeves when they run out to play the Brisbane Broncos in their National Rugby League Qualifying Final at Suncorp Stadium.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has thanked the Brisbane Broncos and North Queensland Cowboys for their support in taking a stand against domestic violence issues.
Following this week’s spate of horrific domestic violence incidents, both teams have agreed to wear white armbands during their blockbuster NRL semi-final in Brisbane, at the Premier’s suggestion.
“When it comes to domestic violence, the Government and the community need to work hand in hand, and we need to do everything we can to raise awareness of this issue,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“Importantly, we need good men in our community to speak with other men who may be at risk of committing these hideous crimes.
“Both the Broncos and the Cowboys are filled with male role models that many men and women respect and look up to.
Cowboys co-captain Johnathan Thurston has embraced the initiative and will proudly don the white armband – alongside his 16 teammates – at Suncorp Stadium tonight.
“We must make a stand against domestic violence … violence against women is simply not on and that is why myself and my teammates will gladly get behind this push at saying no to this sort of behaviour,” Thurston said.
“There is nothing masculine about this sort of behaviour.
“By raising awareness to this issue, we hope to contribute in some small way to eradicating this scourge of our society.”
Ms Palaszczcuk said: “Wearing white armbands is a simple gesture but it sends a very strong message to the hundreds of thousands, if not millions of men that will be watching.
“I would like to publicly thank both teams for jumping at this suggestion.
“Many Queenslanders will be torn when it comes to supporting the Broncos or the Cowboys on the field.
“But I think all of Queensland will take the opportunity to stand together against domestic violence.”
Retiring Broncos captain Justin Hodges said, “Men need to know that any sort of abuse of this kind is unacceptable.”
“As a proud husband and a father of a young boy, I believe making a stance together against this issue is a job for all of us.
“Acts of domestic violence are not only a crime, it is behaviour that conflicts with everything a man should be.”
For anyone dealing with domestic violence issues, please call DV Connect on 1800 811 811.
