In a profoundly moving and courageous disclosure, Newcastle Knights NRLW sensation and former Young Matildas captain Sheridan Gallagher has shared the devastating story of her father's suicide, aiming to shatter the stigma surrounding mental health in professional sports.
The rising rugby league star revealed her world was shattered when her father, Greg Gallagher, took his own life in 2018. The tragedy occurred while she was pursuing her football career abroad, leaving her to grapple with immense grief and unanswered questions thousands of miles from home.
A Life-Altering Phone Call
Gallagher recounted the moment her life changed forever—a harrowing phone call received while she was in Sweden for a football trial. "I remember my hands just started shaking," she shared. The news was incomprehensible; her father, a man she described as her "biggest fan," was gone.
She detailed the agonising journey home to Newcastle, a blur of tears and disbelief, and the heart-wrenching reality of facing a future without her dad. His absence has left a void that persists, especially during significant life milestones and sporting achievements.
Channeling Grief Into Advocacy
Rather than retreating from her pain, Gallagher has chosen to use her platform for a greater cause. She is now a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, particularly within the high-pressure environment of elite athletics.
She speaks openly about the importance of vulnerability, urging fellow athletes to prioritise their psychological well-being and seek help without shame. Her mission is to ensure no one else endures the silent suffering her father experienced.
A Dual-Sport Champion's Resilience
Gallagher's journey is a testament to extraordinary resilience. After captaining Australia's Young Matildas, she made a stunning code switch to rugby league, quickly becoming a key player for the Newcastle Knights in the NRLW.
Her powerful story of navigating profound personal loss while excelling at the highest level of two demanding sports adds a deeply human dimension to her status as a formidable athlete. She continues to honour her father's memory with every game she plays.
