DV tragedy to teach footy players

A quarter of a century after NSW mother Lana Walsh was brutally killed by her boyfriend, her family - keen rugby league supporters - want her story told to prevent further deaths.

Ms Walsh, the aunt of former Penrith Panthers halfback Luke Walsh, was 24 when she was repeatedly stabbed by her new boyfriend on Anzac Day in 1991.

On Tuesday her family, including grandchildren she never got to meet, gathered in Penrith as a film about her death was officially included as part of a domestic violence education program for rugby league players.

Her sister Paula Walsh told AAP seeing the film, Lana's Warriors, made her proud that she could make a positive change.

"I just hope there's a lady out there watching and ... she takes it on board," Ms Walsh told AAP.

"She can be happy, she can be an independent woman and there is support out there."

The film will be watched by players from 21 mostly regional NSW clubs this year as part of the Tackling Violence program, which also provides workshops for high-schoolers.

NSW Minister for Prevention of Domestic Violence Pru Goward hopes it will promote men standing up to other men about domestic violence.

"We have to say, 'we don't want you to be captain of our football team ... if that's what you do when you're home'," she said.

"You can be strong, you can be aggressive on the field but that's where it stops."

Tackling Violence has reached thousands of men and high-schoolers since it started at six clubs in 2009.

Clubs that sign up to the program have to abide by a domestic violence code of conduct.

"It makes them better men," Ms Walsh told AAP.

* National domestic violence helpline: 1800 737 732 or 1800RESPECT. In an emergency call triple-zero.