Former Sydney Rooster Anthony Minichiello, former Bulldog Andrew Ryan and former coach Matt Elliott are part of the Change Room program, helping severely injured people get back to work.

Factory worker Dave Henricks hit rock bottom after he slipped and injured himself four years ago.

“I became a recluse and just sat at home, I would have a conversation with my family and would start crying and I didn’t know why,” he said.

Dave Hendricks stands inside the Sydney Olympic stadium – ABC News: Chloe Hart

“I suffered anxiety and depression, so it really dragged me down a long way.”

He’s since quit his factory job to start his own business.

“Without having gone through this program I don’t think I would be where I am today,” said Mr Henricks, who has returned to support this year’s group of injured workers.

Minichiello’s battle with injury over his 14-year career inspired his passion for nutrition and movement exercise, which he shares with the group.

“We’ve had guys lose eight kilos in a week, reverse their type-two diabetes, decrease pain and inflammation, reconnect with family — they’re the stories that make us happy,” he said.



He said the NRL’s disastrous off-season should be a wake up call to the players.

“We have such an influence over young kids and fans — we are trying to use it as a positive to elevate peoples’ wellbeing and that’s something we love and we are proud of.”

The program helps police and paramedics who are out of work because of psychological injury.

“When I was first medically discharged I had a lot of anger because I never wanted to lose my career, I had a 12-year career and an injury took it away,” former policeman and participant David Woods said.

“It was very confronting but uplifting — I should have done this a long time ago,” Mr Woods said.

Originally posted on ABC News