You are hereRacism is everywhere, young NRL star says
Racism is everywhere, young NRL star says
"When I was younger and growing up in Forster, I'd go to the shop and they'd kick me out because they thought I was stealing," Idris told The Daily Telegraph.
"Even in Sydney, I would get kicked out.
"Racism is still around, it's everywhere. People like to turn a blind eye and say it doesn't exist. I can't turn a blind eye to it because I'm the one copping it."
They are strong words spoken in a soft and gentle manner by a 19-year-old who has impressed each of his Indigenous All Stars teammates and coaches ahead of tomorrow night's historic match against the NRL All Stars at Skilled Park.
Asked if he had experienced racism on the field, Idris replied: "No, not really. But it's there in society. I don't get as much of it as I used to. Now they want me in the shops ...
"There's nothing you can do about it. You take it, I guess. I shouldn't have to. It shouldn't be like that. But that's the way it is.
"I'm not saying that everyone's racist, but there's good and bad in everyone."
This match holds special significance for Idris, who would support teams with the most indigenous players while growing up on missions around Forster on the NSW Mid-North Coast.
Justin Hodges was his hero and Queensland was his team.
His father, Jerry, is Nigerian-born, and his indigenous mum, Alana, is the cousin of former NSW halfback John Simon.
The former Steelers halfback will be at the game, along with dozens of Idris's relatives, while Jerry will watch a replay when he returns from a holiday in Africa.
After his boom season last year, in which he was named Dally M rookie of the year, Idris acknowledges he is a success story continuing to unfold - something for others on the missions of Forster to aspire to.
Link :
http://www.news.com.au/national/racism-is-everywhere-young-nrl-star-says/story-e6frfkvr-1225829515742
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