Former NRL coach Matt Elliott says the Australian public can take plenty out of the NRL’s Indigenous Round and what it stands for and also touched on the recent controversy surrounding AFL player Adam Goodes.

“There seems to be a key factor missed in the Adam Goodes case and this was reinforced by the NRL players I spoke to,” Elliott writes in this week’s Big League magazine.

“That factor? The impact of racism on the individual is missed and lumped in to a larger issue, where extreme views are thrown up.

“When asking what the best solution would be, there was one response: Education. Let players, fans and the community know what is hurtful and what is fine in all environments and reinforce it.

“If you’re on a playing field or have paid to get in to a ground, any desire to use inappropriate behaviours or language is put on hold for the duration of the game.

“What is the impact of the Indigenous Round and the All Stars game? According to the players I spoke to, it’s resoundingly positive.

“It brings us pride, to have our culture showcased across the league. You can only be grateful to the NRL for the recognition.”