We have both played rugby league since we can remember. So did our dads, and their dads before them. We have played with blokes from all walks of life, all shapes and sizes, colours and religions, and with different skills and personalities. But there has been one common denominator - we all play rugby league because we reckon it is the best game there is.

Rugby league has given us just about everything we have - friends, camaraderie, a career and financial security, unbelievably happy moments, fantastic memories and heaps of travel. Neither of us would be where we are today, nor have what we have, if it was not for rugby league.

This game has also given us a focus, has taught us about commitment and discipline, something we would not have achieved in any other walk of life. We are better people because of rugby league, there is no doubt about that.

We want the thousands of young kids who sit up on Friday nights to watch us play, to aspire to be like us one day. We want them to be given the same opportunity that we have been given. We want the game to be there for them, and not spoilt by the tiny minority that seems hell-bent on ruining rugby league. Fellas, the ball is in our court. Whether we realise it or not, everyone playing in the NRL has the ability to change the future of our game, to take the responsibility in our own hands and make sure we do the right thing.

This isn't about us, and it isn't about you. It's about the game we play, and it's about the living we earn. It's about being a positive influence on every kid who asks for our autograph.