Travelling to the Riverina for the Connecting Kooris to Careers gala dinner in Wagga on Tuesday night, Mr Blacklock took the opportunity to attend the prison on invitation to talk to an indigenous men’s group about making positive life choices.

Since retiring from professional football in 2006 after playing with the Sydney Roosters, St George Illawarra Dragons and in the English Super League, Blacklock now travels across the nation to share his story with the indigenous community.

Drawing on his family background and experiences growing up, the former winger told inmates of his story – from a small town boy from Tingha to achieving his dream of playing professional football.

Being picked on for his size in his youth, Blacklock said it was the decision to ignore comments and to work harder to achieve his goal that took him on the path towards the NRL.

He said at the end of the day, if he gets through to one person he shares his story with and helps to change their lives his work would make a difference.

Despite limited resources available to inmates, Blacklock said the men’s group members could help each other in offering support and guidance.

“Set goals for yourself and let nothing get in the way of that,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter where you come from, you’ve got choices.

“Everyone gets a second chance, I believe in second chances.”