I owe a lot to rugby league.  Not only have I enjoyed a great career, both on the pitch for Wigan Warriors and England, and now on TV for Sky Sports, but growing up it provided the most important of life lessons, plus most of my greatest friendships.  I know what a difference it made to me.

 That’s why I’m delighted to help launch SKY TRY.  It’s a new initiative set up by the Rugby Football League and Sky Sports that aims to get more people playing, enjoying and ultimately benefiting from our great game of rugby league. 

My colleagues and I at Sky Sports are passionate about inspiring young people to get involved, encouraging participation not just for the exciting sports stars of tomorrow, but also for a healthy lifestyle, building confidence and of course enjoyment. 

SKY TRY will engage kids and benefit them through participation, inspiration by the professional game and by helping coaches, parents and teachers to ensure a sustainable future for the sport.

First, to participation.  It all started for me aged seven when my school started a team.  Playing for the school team when I was only seven meant that I was up against boys as old as 11, these lads looked like giants!  I remember bravely charging into tackles with my eyes squeezed shut, and then the feeling of utter amazement when I opened them again and realise I had in fact survived!  It’s these experiences, working together as a team, that form bonds with your team mates and create friends for life.   

You don’t need to be throwing yourself into tackles to reap the rewards from rugby league.  One SKY TRY initiative encourages boys and especially girls to have a go at touch rugby.  I’m a big fan of touch rugby for getting people of all ages and abilities active and having fun.  No matter your level, the life skills and confidence gained when playing sport at all levels are invaluable.  

For my part, from an early age I learnt that sometimes you win and sometimes you lose, and you need to be able to handle both.  Young boys and girls growing up learn to develop resilience if the result doesn’t go their way as well as the humility required when their team are victorious.  They also learn perseverance and the importance of self-belief.  I very quickly realised that getting to the top of my game was going to take years of practice and belief in my dream, even when it didn’t seem to be going my way.  Sport taught me about the importance of self-discipline and determination to be successful.

Of course it’s not just true of rugby league.  Growing up I tried almost every sport available to me and would encourage everybody to take advantage of every opportunity to have a go.  You never know where you might find the most enjoyment or success.  One of the great ideas of the SKY TRY programme is to take rugby league into primary schools giving kids the opportunity to play a new sport that wouldn’t necessarily be part of their standard curriculum.    

Inspiration is also an important factor when encouraging participation in sport.  As well as providing the chance to play the game, the SKY TRY programme aims to inspire kids with the excitement of the professional game by making  them part of Super League game days.  Mini festivals will be held alongside top fixtures giving kids the opportunity to experience a game day atmosphere as well as watch a top match.  I’ll never forget my very first game watching my hero Des Drummond in action out on the field.  I knew that I would probably never be as quick as him but it did inspire me to try.  The sport of rugby league is full of great role models, and it will be so special for the young people who get to watch them play and maybe even meet them afterwards. It’s also great fun for all the family.

Speaking of families - finally, to the heroes of the grassroots game.  The parents, coaches and teachers who stand on the touchline come rain or shine to support those on the pitch – we salute you.  The grassroots game would be nowhere without these brilliant volunteers, and SKY TRY will be supporting them too.  It’s only when I’ve got older and I am asked to think back about my own early experiences in sport that I fully appreciate all the hundreds of adults who helped to give me so many different opportunities when I was young.  To help these coaches, parents and teachers, SKY TRY will run coaching workshops which will in turn help to further develop and sustain the sport.

I’m excited about SKY TRY and what’s in store for the lucky next generation of kids who will benefit.  I’ve been lucky enough to play rugby league at the highest level but it is the friendships, lessons and life skills that I will treasure above all.  I urge kids and adults alike to make the make the most of the opportunities SKY TRY will give them and hope they find out for themselves just how much this great game can offer.