Cronulla Sharks flyer Ronaldo Mulitalo has delivered a powerful and emotional plea to the National Rugby League community, urging players to put an end to the damaging culture of personal sledging that he claims left him suffering in silence for over a year.
The 24-year-old winger, known for his explosive pace and try-scoring prowess, broke his silence on the deeply personal nature of on-field verbal attacks that have become commonplace in the sport. Mulitalo revealed that certain comments struck so deeply that they affected his mental wellbeing and performance on the field.
'I've had things said to me that have really hurt,' Mulitalo confessed during an impassioned interview. 'There were times I'd go home and just lie in bed thinking about it. It eats away at you.'
What makes Mulitalo's revelation particularly striking is the duration of his suffering. The Pacific Islander star admitted to carrying the emotional burden for 'more than a year' before finding the courage to speak out, highlighting the hidden mental health toll that professional athletes often endure behind their tough exteriors.
The Human Cost of On-Field Banter
Mulitalo's comments come at a time when sporting codes worldwide are grappling with the line between competitive banter and harmful personal attacks. His testimony suggests that what spectators might dismiss as 'part of the game' can have lasting psychological consequences for players.
'People don't see what happens after the game, when you're alone with your thoughts,' he explained, painting a vivid picture of the isolation athletes can experience despite being in a team environment.
A Call for Cultural Change
The Sharks star isn't calling for the complete elimination of rugby's tough nature but rather for more mindfulness about the personal impact of words. His plea represents a growing movement within contact sports to maintain physical intensity while reducing psychological harm.
Mulitalo's courageous stance has already sparked conversations in dressing rooms and coaching sessions across the NRL, with many players and officials acknowledging the need for a more respectful approach to on-field communication.
As the NRL continues to promote mental health initiatives and player wellbeing programs, Mulitalo's story serves as a poignant reminder that the toughest battles often happen off the field, hidden from fans and cameras alike.
