“I feel like growing up, you can feel like a burden to people talking about your feelings and the older I’ve gotten, I know it’s helped me a lot, talking about how I feel and leaning on people who care about me.”
For Broncos leader Payne Haas, knowing he can share his struggles with his teammates, family and friends has helped him through his day-to-day life and he hopes speaking up will help others in the community to open up as well.
Following the success of last year's campaign where they started a game-wide conversation with their striking all black mental health jersey, the Broncos have unveiled a new version for 2026.
This year, the NRL team will wear the 2026 version of Black Jersey in their Round 14 game against the Titans, supporting Black Dog Institute and helping fund vital mental health research.
Last year, their special jersey struck a chord with fans across the game, with the stark visual helping the club achieve their goal of driving change and conversation around mental health.
This year’s design once again features a striking black base, symbolising “the reality that mental health struggles are often carried unseen”.
The new elements incorporated in this year’s jersey see chrome detailing woven throughout the jersey to represent “reflection, visibility and human connection, encouraging people to not only see the team, but to see themselves and those around them”.
Furthermore, the design looks to “shift the conversation from awareness to action, encouraging people to notice when someone may be struggling, start conversations and show up for one another”.
Sharing what it means to him, one of the faces of this year’s campaign Haas said small gestures could have powerful impacts when it came to prioritising mental health and wellbeing and checking in on others.
“It’s a very special jersey, it resonates with me a lot, especially growing up with people who struggled to talk,” Haas said.
“I love to joke around, I sort of do that in a way where I’m trying to uplift them and when I see someone struggling, or a bit down that day, I start throwing some jokes at them and start to banter.
“So, the more I can see them smiling and more happy, it helps a lot.
“Our superpower is how much we care for each other.
“Everyone’s pretty upfront and honest.
“We take it pretty serious here at the Broncos, it’s a very special jersey for us.”
For superstar fullback Reece Walsh, being able to have important conversations about how you were feeling was key, no matter who you were.
“I think it's a conversation starter for people out there who might be going through something," Walsh said.
"We're all human and we all go through things.
"I feel like it's something we've built here at the club for some time, that those conversations are okay to have and you don't stay alone.
"In a team environment, it takes a team to get results and it takes a good mate to have a conversation.
"Whether that be on the field, off it, on a construction site or at school for young kids, it's really important that we spread awareness and the message that it's okay to be vulnerable and talk to your mate.”
In addition to wearing the jersey to help drive awareness, the club have also launched their wider mental health initiative (in partnership with Black Dog Institute), including a new $25 Virtual Seats campaign.
The campaign aims to fill Suncorp Stadium and raise more than $1million for research.
If you or someone you know is struggling right now, there is always help available. Visit the Brisbane Broncos x Black Dog Institute Wellbeing Hub for more information.
Match: Broncos v Titans
Round 14 -
home Team
Broncos
11th Position
away Team
Titans
16th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
