For Connor Watson, the education never stops.
The Knights utility star says he learns more and more about his Indigenous heritage every single day.
So while the NRL shines a light this week on Indigenous awareness through a series of programs undertaken by every club culminating in the Indigenous Round of matches on the weekend, Watson believes, as a nation, we should be doing more. We should be doing better.
More education, more focus, more learning.
"It's a big week because there is a big focus and it's such a good opportunity to showcase our culture," Watson says.
"But I feel like everyone could do a better job of focusing on it all the time and not just this week. We should be trying to learn more about this country's history as much as we can.
"I'm an Aboriginal man from my tribe Gamilaroi and for me, it's an every day thing and for non-Indigenous people, this week puts a spotlight on it. But as a nation, I think we can do better by focusing on it every day."
It was four years ago, after Watson lost his teenage cousin Parker to suicide, that he and his mum and dad, Jodie and Mark, established the Cultural Choice Association to raise money and awareness for Indigenous youth suicide.
Watson has been a powerhouse for the cause and was recognised by the NRL last year when he was awarded the Ken Stephen Medal for his community work. But he says even for him, the education never stops.
Before training yesterday in preparation for Sunday's clash against Manly at McDonald Jones Stadium, acclaimed Newcastle author and Stolen Generation victim Donna Meehan addressed the entire Knights playing squad.
It left its mark on Watson.
"She came in to tell us about her story," he said. "Unfortunately, she was part of the Stolen Generation and she was able to educate us on some of that. Just the resilience she has shown and the person she is now - you can't comprehend some of those terrible things that happened to her because she is just the sweetest lady."
Watson is pleased some positive steps have been taken to deal with racial abuse on social media.
Latrell Mitchell, who Watson played with in the juniors at the Sydney Roosters, recently called out racial abusers, who were subsequently arrested and charged by police.
"It's awesome that they have brought in these rules where people can actually be held accountable," he said. "But it's unfortunate that we are still in a place as a society where people have these thoughts and say these things. It's not on."
