By Michael Atkinson

Rugby is a tough game.

80 minutes of 30 players throwing themselves at each other with little regard for self-preservation, all in pursuit of an egg-shaped ball.

On the training paddock, it’s much the same (perhaps harder, depending on who you talk to). Players push themselves through physical boundaries time and time again to be primed for weekend pursuits.

But off the field, we struggle to show the same fortitude when we’re battling against unseen foes – in the form of mental health.

This isn’t a problem specific to rugby, but it is something that men, in general, struggle with.

Unfortunately, it has cost us the lives of some great people.

A prime example was the passing of former Sunnybank, Easts and Queensland Reds prop, Rick Tyrrell in 2015.

At just 39 years of age – far too young – Tyrell was tragically lost to his friends and family, after a long struggle with mental health and an inability to talk about his demons.

If a silver lining can be found in such a tragedy, Tyrrell’s passing won’t be in vain, because his friends and family won’t let it.

The prop’s two former clubs – Easts and Sunnybank – will once again play for the Rick Tyrrell Cup where they clash in round 5 of Queensland Premier Rugby on Sunday.

It’s the fourth instalment of the annual match up, but it’s about so much more than winning and losing.

“A big part of it is to celebrate Rick’s life,” friend Michael Chettle told Rugby News.

“But also, we want to make mental health a talking point.”

“It’s not just the really serious cases people know of. Lots of people just think ‘Oh, I’m not going to hurt myself or do anything serious, so it’s not mental health’, but there is a lot more to it.”

“Something as small as a bit of anxiety from stress at work or footy; a bit of depression; struggling to get out of bed in the morning, they’re all examples of struggles with mental health – it’s not just suicide.”

“If we can get people talking more about it then we know it will help people, and if it saves at least one life, it’s a success.”

The Tigers claimed the trophy in its inaugural year, but the last two matches have been won by the Dragons.

This year, the spirit of the occasion will grow again as the teams trade their playing socks for the clash. It’s sure to create a talking point at Bottomley Park on Sunday, and that’s exactly what those involved are hoping for.

But Chettle, along the rest of Tyrell’s family and friends, aren’t content with just one day per year honouring Rick and trying to break the stigma of mental health.

They’re now also offering mental health first aid training for people in the rugby community.

“We’ve put about 40 people through courses over the last three years,” Chettle revealed.

“We’ve had a really great take-up from women’s rugby and also the referees, they’ve been great.”

“Most clubs have sent at least one person over the last couple of years.”

“A couple of clubs haven’t had (the time or resources) to have people come, but it’s just going to take time.”

“What we try to tell people is, ‘We guarantee it’s happening at your club now.’”

“Some people are smiling and happy, but they can also be really struggling. We don’t want something to happen and then people think, ‘Oh, I wish I had’ve done something about it.’”

“If we can give some tools to people that will help identify there is an issue and also know what to say if someone turns around and says, ‘I’m not ok.’”

Sunday’s face-off between the Tigers and the Dragons will, once again, bring mental health into the forefront of the minds of the rugby community; and it’s hoped there will be greater focus in future seasons.

“It’d be great to see other clubs swapping socks on the same round next year or in years to come,” Chettle said.

“How great would it be to see a Mental Health Round?!”

It’d be a huge step towards making it less taboo and helping people talk more freely about their mental struggles.

Easts and Sunnybank battle for the Rick Tyrrell Cup, and the Bunter Bowl, at David Wilson Field at 3:20pm on Sunday.

If you’re interested in doing the Mental Health First Aid Course or would like to offer it to people at your local club email Michael Chettle at Michael@trainingdirectaust.com or check the Facebook page, Rugby Unite.

And if you or anyone you know are struggling with mental health, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636.