Bathurst Panthers Junior Rugby League president Craig Glawson said players in the club’s boys’ under 8s, under 9s and under 16s teams would wear special socks promoting the Closing the Gap indigenous health campaign. 

The socks are red, black and yellow and carry the slogan ‘Do ya 715. Stay Alive’.

“When an indigenous person goes to a doctor and quotes that number there are a number of tests they are required to do,” Mr Glawson said.

Many of the club’s members have Indigenous heritage, making it important for them to be aware of this health check on the Medicare Benefits Schedule.

Normally performed by their local general practitioner, the health check includes an assessment of the patient’s health, including their physical, psychological and social wellbeing, and also assesses what preventive health care, education and other help should be offered to improve their health and wellbeing.

Mr Glawson said the club was excited to have been invited to help spread the message, and planned to expand the sock initiative.

“As ot next year we hope to have all our teams wearing the socks when they play,” he said.

The three teams will be wearing their new legwear when they play at Carrington Park from 10am.