Former NRL player Joe Williams has been nominated for The Frownlow Medal Hall of Fame after revealing an addiction to drugs and alcohol during his career.
The Frownlow Medal is awarded to the player whose off-field demeanour epitomises the values of the modern day footballer and draws attention to the status of footballers as role models to young Australians. It covers Australia’s four major football codes; the National Rugby League (NRL), Australian Football League (AFL), the A-League (Football) and Rugby Union’s Super Rugby competition. Kiwi international Shaun Kenny-Dowall won the inaugural medal in 2015 before Corey Norman in 2016 and Tim Simona in 2017.
Williams attempted suicide in 2012 after a long battle with prescription drugs and bi-polar disorder. The former halfback turned his athletic prowess to boxing after leaving Rugby League and now leads suicide prevention courses for young Indigenous Australians
Attendees at his courses learn that Williams gave up illicit drugs and alcohol after leaving Rugby League.
Image: Nuna
The Frownlow Medal 