“I was battling my own demons and I spoke with this woman about finding a balance in life,” he said.

“I started volunteering for different organisations and it helped me mentally.”

Thompson is a bustling back-rower with St George Illawarra in the NRL.

He’s played more than 150 games, and has been touted as a NSW State of Origin candidate.

Thompson’s legacy, though, will continue long after his career.

“There’s no more powerful gift than making kids believe in themselves,” he said.

“You can meet a kid who’s struggling in life, and can go either way, I was like that myself.

“It was all about me, I didn’t care about others.

“I had an uncommon upbringing, moving around a lot. 

“I lived with both sets of grandparents, I lived with an aunty and an uncle.

“Education wasn’t a priority, but then I went to boarding school.”

Thompson attended Red Bend Catholic College Forbes, a well-know Rugby League school which has produced a number of top-liners, including former Australian winger Chris Anderson.

He joined the Canberra Raiders, and debuted in first grade only days after turning 20.

“It’s important to give back to the game,” he said.

“As NRL players it’s important to know we are role models, and the effect we can have on young people.”

He actually volunteered to visit Albury, where he attended an awards ceremony for Aboriginal students at Albury High School, before attending headspace’s Yarn Safe campaign at QE2 Square as part of Mental Health Month.

“I think Joel’s story about rising from adversity and then giving back to people made a big impact with the kids,” the NRL’s Dean Whymark said.

Thompson has worked in a number of fields, including Indigenous leadership, homeless and juvenile justice programs. He’s also won a number of special club awards since linking with the Dragons in 2014.

But his greatest achievement was winning the prestigious Ken Stephen award at the Dally M presentation last month.

It recognises an NRL player who not only achieves success and leadership on-field, but contributed to community projects to make a positive difference.

“It meant a lot to me, but it also meant a lot to people around me, who have helped me in my life, like my wife, my two nans,” he said.

The 28-year-old’s next aim is to grab the Saints a premiership.

The club is coming off a poor season, attracting enormous criticism for their bland playing style and inability to score points.

“We beat the (premier) Sharks this year when they had everyone in the team,” he said.

“Everyone was ‘on’, we just have to want to play our best every week.”

The Dragons won their last premiership in 2010 under Wayne Bennett.