“Little bit of perspective”: Parramatta players pick up the tools in new initiative

Veteran journalist Adrian Proszenko has revealed Parramatta players have spent time working in the community in a new initiative introduced by coach Jason Ryles.

Players have spent the last three days working across nine worksites, working as landscapers, teacher’s aids, kitchen aids, and in charity services including Ronald McDonald Homes and FoodBank.

Proszenko says the plan is a great one from Jason Ryles, who is starting his first season as an NRL coach, and echoes that of his coaching mentor, Storm supremo Craig Bellamy.

“Jason Ryles will very much be his own man but that's one aspect he’s borrowed from Craig Bellamy and that is putting the players to work and making them connect with their community so they can show a bit of gratitude for the life they live,” Proszenko told SEN 1170 Afternoons with Jimmy Smith.

“It'll give them a little bit of perspective on how the other side makes ends meet.

“At the end of those days they all go back to Kellyville at the Parramatta headquarters, and they have dinner and share their experiences of what’s transpired. It’s great they are in the community and getting a little perspective because sometimes you can lose focus on these things when you're in the spotlight and playing football.”

NRL great Jimmy Smith agreed with Proszenko, saying the plan is a terrific idea.

“I've got no doubt there are many attributes of Craig Bellamy that Jason Ryles will be bringing to his coaching regime, and it feels like getting the Parramatta players on the tools is one of them,” Smith said.

The update comes as it was revealed on Sportsday that Ezra Mam has also begun working in a trades job in an effort to repay the faith after he was charged with one count of drug-driving, and driving without a licence.