1 00:00:00,600 --> 00:00:05,400 Speaker 1: October five, twenty twenty five, Adam Reynolds leads the Brisbane 2 00:00:05,480 --> 00:00:08,880 Speaker 1: Broncos onto the field at the Accor Stadium for the 3 00:00:08,920 --> 00:00:13,560 Speaker 1: twenty twenty five NRL Grand Final. Forty nine minutes into 4 00:00:13,600 --> 00:00:17,200 Speaker 1: the tight battle against the Melbourne Storm, a calf injury 5 00:00:17,440 --> 00:00:20,960 Speaker 1: forces Adam from the field. He then has to watch 6 00:00:21,000 --> 00:00:29,720 Speaker 1: his team claim victory from the sidelines as he raises 7 00:00:29,760 --> 00:00:33,320 Speaker 1: the premiership trophy in front of thousands of fans. There's 8 00:00:33,360 --> 00:00:36,760 Speaker 1: no denying the role former South star has had in 9 00:00:36,840 --> 00:00:43,000 Speaker 1: leading the Broncos into their seventh Grand Final win. I'm 10 00:00:43,040 --> 00:00:47,680 Speaker 1: at Middleton and this is headgame today. Adam Reynolds on 11 00:00:47,760 --> 00:00:50,839 Speaker 1: growing up as a fretty obsessed kid in Redfern and 12 00:00:50,920 --> 00:00:53,720 Speaker 1: the challenges he faced making it to the top of 13 00:00:53,760 --> 00:01:03,400 Speaker 1: the NRL. Adam Reynolds did or has footy run in 14 00:01:03,400 --> 00:01:05,520 Speaker 1: the family and what was it like growing up as 15 00:01:05,520 --> 00:01:10,080 Speaker 1: a kids. Do you come from a big family, do 16 00:01:10,120 --> 00:01:12,399 Speaker 1: you come from footy? Just tell me what that would 17 00:01:12,400 --> 00:01:13,480 Speaker 1: look like growing up. 18 00:01:15,000 --> 00:01:18,280 Speaker 2: Come from pretty much humble beginnings, mate, a small family. 19 00:01:19,080 --> 00:01:22,360 Speaker 2: Mum and dad and a brother lived in housing commission 20 00:01:22,360 --> 00:01:26,240 Speaker 2: in Redfern, across the road from Redfern Oval. So football territory. 21 00:01:26,280 --> 00:01:30,640 Speaker 2: There not too much football in the family. Dad played 22 00:01:30,680 --> 00:01:32,840 Speaker 2: a little bit, but enjoyed a beverage a bit too 23 00:01:32,880 --> 00:01:37,960 Speaker 2: much and never got to the professional stages. But look, 24 00:01:38,280 --> 00:01:40,720 Speaker 2: as a family had everything that we could have asked for. 25 00:01:42,520 --> 00:01:46,960 Speaker 2: Grew up in a really heavily populated housing commission area, 26 00:01:47,000 --> 00:01:50,680 Speaker 2: so a lot of crime. It was sort of a 27 00:01:50,680 --> 00:01:53,120 Speaker 2: tough upbringing, but I wouldn't have it any other way. 28 00:01:53,120 --> 00:01:55,520 Speaker 2: I loved my time as a kid growing up there. 29 00:01:55,600 --> 00:01:57,480 Speaker 2: I think it teaches you to be smart in the street, 30 00:01:57,560 --> 00:02:00,360 Speaker 2: and obviously all that plays a part into the journey 31 00:02:00,400 --> 00:02:01,680 Speaker 2: later on in life. 32 00:02:01,920 --> 00:02:03,200 Speaker 3: Yes, ma'am, I'm the same. 33 00:02:03,520 --> 00:02:07,160 Speaker 1: I grew up on a council estate and I suppose 34 00:02:07,200 --> 00:02:09,600 Speaker 1: it does prepare you for life. I know people look 35 00:02:09,639 --> 00:02:11,840 Speaker 1: back and go, oh, you know, it was different back 36 00:02:11,880 --> 00:02:14,200 Speaker 1: in the day, but I feel like it prepared us 37 00:02:14,280 --> 00:02:17,600 Speaker 1: more for when we did take the big jump. And 38 00:02:19,040 --> 00:02:21,200 Speaker 1: my step father when I was growing up, he was 39 00:02:21,280 --> 00:02:23,680 Speaker 1: you know, I don't like to call it quite abusive, 40 00:02:23,760 --> 00:02:24,840 Speaker 1: you know, but you know, give you. 41 00:02:24,800 --> 00:02:27,440 Speaker 3: A slap round a year when you when you misbehaved. 42 00:02:27,720 --> 00:02:29,880 Speaker 1: You know, if if there is something going on the 43 00:02:30,120 --> 00:02:33,000 Speaker 1: dispute between your brother, but you two have it out 44 00:02:33,040 --> 00:02:34,320 Speaker 1: and then you know, walk away. 45 00:02:34,360 --> 00:02:36,399 Speaker 3: But that's just not done nowadays. 46 00:02:36,680 --> 00:02:39,120 Speaker 1: Do you think that prepared you along the way, you know, 47 00:02:39,200 --> 00:02:42,720 Speaker 1: through school, through your teenage years and going into getting 48 00:02:42,720 --> 00:02:45,000 Speaker 1: a professional contractor like yourself. 49 00:02:45,760 --> 00:02:47,639 Speaker 2: Yeah, I think it does. I think it prepares you, 50 00:02:47,720 --> 00:02:51,919 Speaker 2: like you said, for life outside of the game. Life 51 00:02:51,919 --> 00:02:53,800 Speaker 2: has been not these days, for a lot of challenges 52 00:02:53,840 --> 00:02:58,799 Speaker 2: that yeah, both mentally, physically emotionally. So for me, I 53 00:02:59,080 --> 00:03:02,200 Speaker 2: learned to deal with those emotions and my surroundings a 54 00:03:02,280 --> 00:03:05,600 Speaker 2: lot better than say a couple of friends who grew 55 00:03:05,680 --> 00:03:08,560 Speaker 2: up in a privileged area or whatnot. But look, I'm 56 00:03:08,560 --> 00:03:10,880 Speaker 2: fortunate enough to have some experiences where you know, I 57 00:03:10,880 --> 00:03:14,000 Speaker 2: had to look over my shoulder, you know, be a 58 00:03:14,000 --> 00:03:16,360 Speaker 2: bit more resilient and a bit more self aware of 59 00:03:16,560 --> 00:03:19,840 Speaker 2: my surroundings, And like you said, I think that plays 60 00:03:19,840 --> 00:03:23,360 Speaker 2: a part into later on in life, and just having 61 00:03:23,400 --> 00:03:27,720 Speaker 2: those experiences prepares you a bit better for what's to come, 62 00:03:27,800 --> 00:03:32,960 Speaker 2: because it's not all pretty out there. And yeah, as 63 00:03:33,040 --> 00:03:35,920 Speaker 2: long as we can navigate through those in the right way, 64 00:03:37,040 --> 00:03:39,200 Speaker 2: it definitely prepared me. As long as having I had 65 00:03:39,560 --> 00:03:42,360 Speaker 2: good morals with my family. I was always taught to 66 00:03:42,360 --> 00:03:46,120 Speaker 2: be polite and respectful and you know I'll be a 67 00:03:46,120 --> 00:03:49,400 Speaker 2: big street smart as well. So all those definitely played 68 00:03:49,400 --> 00:03:52,120 Speaker 2: a part into my upbringing. And you know how I 69 00:03:52,160 --> 00:03:53,040 Speaker 2: am as an athlete. 70 00:03:53,320 --> 00:03:56,560 Speaker 1: So when did footie really start to play play a 71 00:03:56,680 --> 00:04:00,720 Speaker 1: role in your life? Because, like myself, I suppose the military. 72 00:04:02,400 --> 00:04:04,720 Speaker 3: You go through life, you know, you were kids, you 73 00:04:04,760 --> 00:04:05,440 Speaker 3: know no better. 74 00:04:06,000 --> 00:04:08,480 Speaker 1: When do you actually realize that you're a half decent 75 00:04:08,640 --> 00:04:11,520 Speaker 1: footy player? And when did this sort of the penny 76 00:04:11,560 --> 00:04:13,360 Speaker 1: drop that, oh I could make a career out of this. 77 00:04:13,720 --> 00:04:16,120 Speaker 2: Well, I think early on, from a young age, footy 78 00:04:16,240 --> 00:04:18,279 Speaker 2: was everything for me and it's all I ever wanted 79 00:04:18,320 --> 00:04:21,440 Speaker 2: to do. So school was never an important thing for me. 80 00:04:21,560 --> 00:04:25,000 Speaker 2: And whether I was running around the streets kicking FOOTI 81 00:04:25,040 --> 00:04:28,919 Speaker 2: is at polls or playing touch on the road, you know, 82 00:04:28,960 --> 00:04:31,240 Speaker 2: that's all I ever wanted to do. But until, like 83 00:04:31,279 --> 00:04:33,799 Speaker 2: you said, you get to a bit of an older age, 84 00:04:33,839 --> 00:04:36,359 Speaker 2: you don't realize you could make it a reality. And 85 00:04:37,160 --> 00:04:39,720 Speaker 2: for me, I was always the smaller kid. I wasn't 86 00:04:39,720 --> 00:04:43,000 Speaker 2: the fastest, wasn't the strongest, so I was always sort 87 00:04:43,040 --> 00:04:46,200 Speaker 2: of judged or looked upon a bit different to say 88 00:04:46,200 --> 00:04:50,599 Speaker 2: the stars of you know, my age group. But always 89 00:04:50,680 --> 00:04:52,840 Speaker 2: knew I had talent, made a few junior raap sides 90 00:04:52,880 --> 00:04:55,800 Speaker 2: and probably wasn't until I got to high school. I 91 00:04:55,839 --> 00:04:57,320 Speaker 2: was lucky enough to be in a good system there 92 00:04:57,360 --> 00:05:01,440 Speaker 2: at Matreville Sports Ie where we we had professional sort 93 00:05:01,440 --> 00:05:04,479 Speaker 2: of training, We had coaches that were elite and you know, 94 00:05:04,480 --> 00:05:07,000 Speaker 2: it gave us a good guidance to teaching what it 95 00:05:07,040 --> 00:05:08,839 Speaker 2: was going to take to be a professional athlete. And 96 00:05:09,680 --> 00:05:12,640 Speaker 2: it wasn't until you know, really under seventeens, I made 97 00:05:12,680 --> 00:05:15,120 Speaker 2: a new South Wales under seventeens, you know, the only 98 00:05:15,120 --> 00:05:18,359 Speaker 2: one from my district there to make it sort of 99 00:05:18,360 --> 00:05:21,120 Speaker 2: to see and jump outside the systems that you're involved 100 00:05:21,120 --> 00:05:25,839 Speaker 2: in on a weekly basis. That's when you know you're 101 00:05:25,880 --> 00:05:29,039 Speaker 2: sort of heading towards the pointy end of your group there. 102 00:05:29,080 --> 00:05:32,880 Speaker 2: But still you know, I'm the shortest there. I'm the smallest, 103 00:05:33,200 --> 00:05:36,159 Speaker 2: not the fastest, not the fittest. But it was pretty 104 00:05:36,160 --> 00:05:39,479 Speaker 2: smart for footy, so knew I had what to take mentally, 105 00:05:39,520 --> 00:05:42,159 Speaker 2: but physically, you know, I didn't really know what to 106 00:05:42,279 --> 00:05:45,880 Speaker 2: expect until around nineteen twenty years of age when I 107 00:05:45,920 --> 00:05:50,640 Speaker 2: was playing under twenties. But even then there's doubts and whatnot. 108 00:05:50,680 --> 00:05:53,440 Speaker 2: That creep in your mind, and you know, it's going 109 00:05:53,520 --> 00:05:55,920 Speaker 2: back to the fundamentals and knowing if you do all 110 00:05:55,960 --> 00:05:59,279 Speaker 2: little things right, well that leads to you know, the 111 00:05:59,279 --> 00:05:59,840 Speaker 2: bigger picture. 112 00:06:00,680 --> 00:06:03,440 Speaker 3: Yeah, maybe it's the same boat as myself, Adam. 113 00:06:03,839 --> 00:06:04,240 Speaker 2: I was. 114 00:06:04,400 --> 00:06:06,640 Speaker 1: I was, you know, shorter than all the others, are 115 00:06:06,720 --> 00:06:08,800 Speaker 1: skinnier than all the others. I didn't fill out to 116 00:06:08,880 --> 00:06:11,440 Speaker 1: you like, you know, until I got into i'd say 117 00:06:11,720 --> 00:06:15,240 Speaker 1: twenty three twenty four when I joined the Marines, when 118 00:06:15,240 --> 00:06:17,640 Speaker 1: I transferred over from the military to join the Marines, 119 00:06:18,720 --> 00:06:20,839 Speaker 1: And I remember that being in my head, just thinking 120 00:06:20,880 --> 00:06:23,200 Speaker 1: as I was growing up, thinking, you know that those 121 00:06:23,480 --> 00:06:27,040 Speaker 1: those seeds of doubt setting in what's your your head game? 122 00:06:27,080 --> 00:06:30,440 Speaker 1: You know, going through your late teens, as you're noticing 123 00:06:30,520 --> 00:06:33,000 Speaker 1: obviously people are getting bigger and bigger and you're you're 124 00:06:33,040 --> 00:06:35,679 Speaker 1: not quite matching them at this stage in life. 125 00:06:36,000 --> 00:06:38,160 Speaker 2: Yeah, well, I'll used it to a bit of an advantage. 126 00:06:38,200 --> 00:06:40,679 Speaker 2: To be fair, I think I had to work harder 127 00:06:40,680 --> 00:06:42,720 Speaker 2: than everyone else. I had to be a bit smarter, 128 00:06:43,760 --> 00:06:45,080 Speaker 2: and I had to think about the game a bit 129 00:06:45,120 --> 00:06:48,240 Speaker 2: different to say, those bigger kids that were running through everyone. 130 00:06:48,440 --> 00:06:51,400 Speaker 2: I mean, at some stage that catches up to everyone 131 00:06:51,480 --> 00:06:54,359 Speaker 2: and it was only a matter of time until you know, 132 00:06:54,400 --> 00:06:57,719 Speaker 2: I got my strength, a bit of speed, you know, 133 00:06:57,839 --> 00:07:00,120 Speaker 2: on similar path to those sort of boys, where I 134 00:07:00,160 --> 00:07:03,400 Speaker 2: could be on a level playing field. But then the 135 00:07:03,440 --> 00:07:06,640 Speaker 2: smarts take over and you know you're a bit cleueier 136 00:07:06,720 --> 00:07:09,160 Speaker 2: because you've had to work harder. It meant a bit 137 00:07:09,200 --> 00:07:11,880 Speaker 2: more to me because I've worked extremely hard. I mean 138 00:07:11,920 --> 00:07:14,840 Speaker 2: I used to take my dog on who knows ten 139 00:07:14,920 --> 00:07:18,000 Speaker 2: fifteen k runs pretty much, you know, three times a week. 140 00:07:18,080 --> 00:07:20,800 Speaker 2: Feel sorry for the dog, but you know it was 141 00:07:20,840 --> 00:07:21,640 Speaker 2: my training partner. 142 00:07:21,640 --> 00:07:23,800 Speaker 3: How long did how long did the dog last? 143 00:07:25,840 --> 00:07:29,280 Speaker 2: We had a cattle dog in a small backyard, so 144 00:07:29,280 --> 00:07:34,760 Speaker 2: it worked out well. Dodger, yeah, fairly fit, but yeah, 145 00:07:34,960 --> 00:07:36,760 Speaker 2: it was It was all part of the process. I 146 00:07:36,800 --> 00:07:40,200 Speaker 2: mean I had to work extremely hard because I loved it. 147 00:07:40,240 --> 00:07:43,560 Speaker 2: I was dedicated to some kids that came so easy, 148 00:07:44,200 --> 00:07:46,440 Speaker 2: and I mean when you get to an elite level, 149 00:07:46,720 --> 00:07:48,600 Speaker 2: they tend to fall away and as those who have 150 00:07:48,680 --> 00:07:51,120 Speaker 2: worked harder that you know, excel through those gaps. 151 00:07:51,160 --> 00:07:58,040 Speaker 1: When did that first sort of professional let's call it 152 00:07:58,080 --> 00:08:00,960 Speaker 1: a professional call income When did you When did you think? 153 00:08:01,240 --> 00:08:02,800 Speaker 1: When did you know or when did you get that 154 00:08:02,880 --> 00:08:06,960 Speaker 1: cool that you know this trial or this game could 155 00:08:07,000 --> 00:08:09,840 Speaker 1: could change my career and I could walk amongst the greats. 156 00:08:10,760 --> 00:08:14,080 Speaker 2: Yeah, I had a couple of instances where I was 157 00:08:14,160 --> 00:08:16,680 Speaker 2: close to making my debut. So in two thousand and 158 00:08:16,800 --> 00:08:19,880 Speaker 2: I think it was nine, I played under twenty so 159 00:08:19,960 --> 00:08:22,840 Speaker 2: the Rabbit O's at that time, and we had a 160 00:08:22,960 --> 00:08:26,560 Speaker 2: fair few injuries in the top grade, and there was 161 00:08:26,640 --> 00:08:28,760 Speaker 2: a bit of whispers about me making my debut off 162 00:08:28,800 --> 00:08:31,920 Speaker 2: the bench for a hook role, which is different to 163 00:08:32,200 --> 00:08:35,200 Speaker 2: the position I play. So I was a bit nervous 164 00:08:35,240 --> 00:08:38,600 Speaker 2: in that instance. But throughout that game or that week 165 00:08:38,679 --> 00:08:41,080 Speaker 2: leading into that game, I'd broken my thumb, so set 166 00:08:41,160 --> 00:08:44,800 Speaker 2: back in that situation there, which makes you sit back 167 00:08:44,840 --> 00:08:48,400 Speaker 2: reevaluate where you're at. You know you're so close, but 168 00:08:48,400 --> 00:08:52,880 Speaker 2: you're so far away. Didn't get another opportunity until pretty 169 00:08:52,920 --> 00:08:57,680 Speaker 2: much a year or two later. I'm in a training 170 00:08:57,760 --> 00:09:01,800 Speaker 2: game against our first squad and expected to play off 171 00:09:01,840 --> 00:09:05,160 Speaker 2: the bench again. And then I had an ACL reconstruction, 172 00:09:05,360 --> 00:09:08,640 Speaker 2: so another twelve months out of the game, and then 173 00:09:08,679 --> 00:09:11,360 Speaker 2: you just sort of sit back and think to yourself, 174 00:09:11,559 --> 00:09:12,960 Speaker 2: you know, what have I got to do to get 175 00:09:12,960 --> 00:09:16,319 Speaker 2: this opportunity. But for me, I used that time pretty wisely. 176 00:09:16,480 --> 00:09:19,080 Speaker 2: I studied the game. I looked at players in my 177 00:09:19,120 --> 00:09:22,000 Speaker 2: position that were at the top end of you know, 178 00:09:22,080 --> 00:09:24,760 Speaker 2: our role as are half back, and I studied them 179 00:09:24,920 --> 00:09:27,599 Speaker 2: on a deeper basis. I worked hard in the gym. 180 00:09:28,080 --> 00:09:30,880 Speaker 2: I got to spend times with you know, Michael Krocker, 181 00:09:31,200 --> 00:09:34,200 Speaker 2: Roy Satasi. They were in rehab at the stage, so 182 00:09:34,240 --> 00:09:36,840 Speaker 2: they were the top end players. You know. I was 183 00:09:36,840 --> 00:09:38,839 Speaker 2: in rehab for twelve months, but they were in rehab 184 00:09:38,880 --> 00:09:40,720 Speaker 2: for you know, three or four weeks at a time, 185 00:09:41,520 --> 00:09:43,280 Speaker 2: so to pick their brains and see what it took 186 00:09:43,360 --> 00:09:46,360 Speaker 2: for them to be at that elite level on a 187 00:09:46,440 --> 00:09:49,320 Speaker 2: daily basis, I really took a lot away from that 188 00:09:49,400 --> 00:09:51,320 Speaker 2: and I spent a lot of time in the gym 189 00:09:51,360 --> 00:09:55,160 Speaker 2: working on myself physically to get myself right. And ten 190 00:09:55,200 --> 00:09:57,880 Speaker 2: months later, I get an opportunity to play first grade. 191 00:09:57,920 --> 00:10:01,520 Speaker 2: And I'm sort of lucky and thankful that I went 192 00:10:01,559 --> 00:10:05,120 Speaker 2: through those experiences because I think if I made it 193 00:10:05,160 --> 00:10:08,719 Speaker 2: that early, I was, you know, seventy kilos, ring and wear, 194 00:10:09,600 --> 00:10:11,160 Speaker 2: I would have been chewed up and spat out and 195 00:10:11,200 --> 00:10:15,200 Speaker 2: probably had three or four first grade games. So everything 196 00:10:15,240 --> 00:10:18,319 Speaker 2: happens for a reason, and I think through those times 197 00:10:18,520 --> 00:10:21,240 Speaker 2: of adversity, you learn a hell a lot about yourself. 198 00:10:21,280 --> 00:10:24,680 Speaker 2: And I wasn't negative. I was extremely positive through those 199 00:10:24,720 --> 00:10:27,480 Speaker 2: times and just needed to see it out, needed to 200 00:10:27,480 --> 00:10:30,880 Speaker 2: see it through, and I knew at some stage that 201 00:10:31,000 --> 00:10:32,040 Speaker 2: the opportunity would come. 202 00:10:32,600 --> 00:10:35,000 Speaker 1: How important is it to surround yourself with the right people. 203 00:10:35,000 --> 00:10:38,240 Speaker 1: But what what did you do, especially for someone that's 204 00:10:38,520 --> 00:10:41,560 Speaker 1: so passionate about the game, it's so passionate about becoming 205 00:10:41,800 --> 00:10:45,240 Speaker 1: a professional, a good team leader and wanting this as 206 00:10:45,280 --> 00:10:49,280 Speaker 1: as a full blown career. How do you get your 207 00:10:49,320 --> 00:10:51,480 Speaker 1: head in the game when it comes to injury and 208 00:10:51,840 --> 00:10:53,160 Speaker 1: serious injury as well. 209 00:10:53,559 --> 00:10:55,760 Speaker 2: Yeah, for me, I was in an awkward situation. I 210 00:10:55,800 --> 00:10:59,280 Speaker 2: had two kids at nine eight, so I was providing 211 00:10:59,280 --> 00:11:02,360 Speaker 2: for them at the stage age. But I think for me, 212 00:11:02,440 --> 00:11:05,480 Speaker 2: the first thing is acceptance. You have to accept what's happened. 213 00:11:06,040 --> 00:11:09,120 Speaker 2: You've got to, you know, believe in the process that 214 00:11:09,160 --> 00:11:10,760 Speaker 2: you're going to get back to where you are and 215 00:11:11,200 --> 00:11:13,400 Speaker 2: if not, be back better. I mean, for those times 216 00:11:13,440 --> 00:11:16,440 Speaker 2: I like to work on my weaknesses, whether I'm not 217 00:11:16,480 --> 00:11:20,520 Speaker 2: strong enough, flexibile, you know I'm not fit enough. Well, 218 00:11:20,559 --> 00:11:22,720 Speaker 2: I've got time whilst I'm not playing that I can 219 00:11:22,760 --> 00:11:25,719 Speaker 2: work on those those parts of my game and then 220 00:11:25,720 --> 00:11:28,000 Speaker 2: I think mentally, just seeing the game in a different light. 221 00:11:29,040 --> 00:11:31,200 Speaker 2: I think as athletes were a bit stubborn and stuck 222 00:11:31,280 --> 00:11:33,360 Speaker 2: up and always want to be on the pitch. But 223 00:11:34,280 --> 00:11:36,720 Speaker 2: when you sit back and see it from a different angle, 224 00:11:36,720 --> 00:11:38,120 Speaker 2: you can learn a hell of a lot about the 225 00:11:38,160 --> 00:11:42,679 Speaker 2: game and you can use those, as you know, factors 226 00:11:42,720 --> 00:11:45,199 Speaker 2: to drive yourself to get better. I mean, take mental notes. 227 00:11:46,640 --> 00:11:48,440 Speaker 2: You know, you see the game different from sitting in 228 00:11:48,440 --> 00:11:51,640 Speaker 2: the stands as you do on the sideline or wherever 229 00:11:51,679 --> 00:11:54,800 Speaker 2: you are in the stadium. But as those little moments, 230 00:11:54,880 --> 00:11:59,520 Speaker 2: which as athletes, I think we're a bit hard on 231 00:11:59,559 --> 00:12:02,160 Speaker 2: ourselves obviously because we always always want to be out there. 232 00:12:02,160 --> 00:12:05,720 Speaker 2: But for me, I've tried to separate those moments from 233 00:12:05,760 --> 00:12:08,200 Speaker 2: when I'm injured to when I'm playing and just really 234 00:12:08,280 --> 00:12:10,559 Speaker 2: use it to my advantage. And I think as athletes, 235 00:12:10,600 --> 00:12:12,760 Speaker 2: there's a lot of pressure on us already to be 236 00:12:12,800 --> 00:12:14,720 Speaker 2: out there and perform, but when we're not out there, 237 00:12:15,320 --> 00:12:18,560 Speaker 2: you know there's still ways to contribute and you know, 238 00:12:18,640 --> 00:12:23,520 Speaker 2: help your team out, whether that's a training study in film, 239 00:12:23,520 --> 00:12:26,880 Speaker 2: look at a video and helping your teammates and certain pointers. 240 00:12:26,880 --> 00:12:30,199 Speaker 2: But it's something that I've learned over a number of 241 00:12:30,320 --> 00:12:33,000 Speaker 2: years now and through a lot of injuries, so it 242 00:12:33,080 --> 00:12:36,199 Speaker 2: definitely takes time. But yeah, I think the first step 243 00:12:36,280 --> 00:12:39,120 Speaker 2: is acknowledging it and you know, accepting what's happened. 244 00:12:39,640 --> 00:12:42,280 Speaker 1: What was your worst injury, mate that you went through, 245 00:12:42,520 --> 00:12:44,440 Speaker 1: and was it ever a time and I know you've 246 00:12:44,480 --> 00:12:47,680 Speaker 1: just recently torn your calf. Was there ever a time 247 00:12:47,679 --> 00:12:50,720 Speaker 1: that you just thought this is me, you know, I'm done. 248 00:12:51,040 --> 00:12:53,199 Speaker 2: Yeah, it was probably going back to that ACL injury. 249 00:12:54,880 --> 00:12:57,520 Speaker 2: You know, fresh out of twenties, I've had two or 250 00:12:57,520 --> 00:13:00,240 Speaker 2: three chances to debut and didn't quite crack it, and 251 00:13:01,960 --> 00:13:03,800 Speaker 2: you know, you're getting closer and closer, and to have 252 00:13:03,840 --> 00:13:06,040 Speaker 2: a major injury where you're going to miss twelve months 253 00:13:06,080 --> 00:13:09,520 Speaker 2: of football, you know, I had two young children at 254 00:13:09,520 --> 00:13:12,000 Speaker 2: the time as well, and being a young father to 255 00:13:12,080 --> 00:13:17,440 Speaker 2: support those kids was my priority. But yeah, you certainly 256 00:13:17,440 --> 00:13:20,440 Speaker 2: go through you know, I went through parts of depression 257 00:13:20,480 --> 00:13:23,880 Speaker 2: there where I was kicking myself and down in a 258 00:13:23,920 --> 00:13:28,000 Speaker 2: deep hole. But like you said before, it's getting around 259 00:13:28,000 --> 00:13:31,480 Speaker 2: people that you know that are experts in sort of 260 00:13:31,880 --> 00:13:35,360 Speaker 2: their field or they've been through similar situations before. And 261 00:13:36,120 --> 00:13:38,920 Speaker 2: I think as athletes it's important to reach out not 262 00:13:38,960 --> 00:13:42,040 Speaker 2: only to your teammates, but other players around you, that 263 00:13:42,080 --> 00:13:44,800 Speaker 2: there's so much respect in the game and in sport 264 00:13:46,280 --> 00:13:48,199 Speaker 2: that you know we're all they're willing to help each other. 265 00:13:48,600 --> 00:13:51,040 Speaker 2: But yeah, I've had plenty of moments where I thought 266 00:13:51,080 --> 00:13:54,840 Speaker 2: this could be it, and you know, it's not long 267 00:13:55,000 --> 00:13:57,200 Speaker 2: before you have to remind yourself that you're doing it 268 00:13:57,240 --> 00:14:00,360 Speaker 2: because you love it and everything's going to be okay. 269 00:14:00,400 --> 00:14:03,400 Speaker 2: You're going to work hard, you get yourself around good people, 270 00:14:03,440 --> 00:14:06,040 Speaker 2: you get yourself back in all good headspace, and and 271 00:14:06,080 --> 00:14:08,839 Speaker 2: when you do that, it just narrows that focus is 272 00:14:09,000 --> 00:14:10,760 Speaker 2: a tiny bit there and get your head in the 273 00:14:10,840 --> 00:14:11,280 Speaker 2: right direction. 274 00:14:11,480 --> 00:14:14,079 Speaker 1: How important is it to you to switch your training 275 00:14:14,160 --> 00:14:15,800 Speaker 1: up and not just be one dimensional? 276 00:14:16,000 --> 00:14:18,400 Speaker 2: Yeah? Extremely important. I think for me, I get pretty 277 00:14:18,400 --> 00:14:20,840 Speaker 2: bored if I do something over and over and over again. 278 00:14:20,880 --> 00:14:23,960 Speaker 2: And I like to test myself, like the challenge myself. 279 00:14:24,000 --> 00:14:27,040 Speaker 2: So whether it's you know, you're going for long runs, 280 00:14:28,200 --> 00:14:32,200 Speaker 2: long swim, yoga, pilates. I jumped into a bit of 281 00:14:32,200 --> 00:14:36,040 Speaker 2: bickroom the other year, which was a bit different. Not 282 00:14:36,080 --> 00:14:37,840 Speaker 2: a lot of footy players doing that at the moment, 283 00:14:37,880 --> 00:14:40,840 Speaker 2: but I fractured my back and sort of lost a 284 00:14:40,840 --> 00:14:43,480 Speaker 2: bit of movement through my back years ago. 285 00:14:43,560 --> 00:14:47,800 Speaker 1: So fucking hell, mate, done you fractured your back, so 286 00:14:47,960 --> 00:14:50,400 Speaker 1: you can't just brush over that. What happened there, mate, 287 00:14:50,440 --> 00:14:54,160 Speaker 1: and fracturing your back? Fucking hell, that's that's could that 288 00:14:54,360 --> 00:14:55,400 Speaker 1: could be career ending? 289 00:14:55,480 --> 00:14:55,600 Speaker 3: Right? 290 00:14:56,160 --> 00:14:58,640 Speaker 2: Yeah, I didn't know it at the time. I was 291 00:14:58,680 --> 00:15:01,720 Speaker 2: in a game and fielding a kick from the ingo. 292 00:15:01,960 --> 00:15:03,440 Speaker 2: They put a little grubber through and I sort of 293 00:15:03,480 --> 00:15:04,720 Speaker 2: got it and try to get out of the ingo 294 00:15:04,800 --> 00:15:08,280 Speaker 2: and turned to sort of take the collision and got 295 00:15:08,360 --> 00:15:11,720 Speaker 2: need in the back. So it wasn't It wasn't a 296 00:15:11,760 --> 00:15:13,880 Speaker 2: good feeling. I thought. I just corked it through that 297 00:15:13,920 --> 00:15:17,640 Speaker 2: game and happened in the first half of the game, 298 00:15:17,680 --> 00:15:20,560 Speaker 2: and sort of got through the full game. But as 299 00:15:20,560 --> 00:15:24,600 Speaker 2: soon as I sort of got cold and stopped playing 300 00:15:24,680 --> 00:15:27,440 Speaker 2: or warmed down, that's when the pain really kicked in. 301 00:15:27,520 --> 00:15:30,040 Speaker 2: But a couple of weeks on the sideline and back 302 00:15:30,080 --> 00:15:34,800 Speaker 2: out there. But yeah, it's not too uncommon in our sport. Obviously, 303 00:15:34,840 --> 00:15:39,400 Speaker 2: there's a bit of physical trauma to it, to our bodies, 304 00:15:39,400 --> 00:15:41,760 Speaker 2: and from time to time, you know, we get put 305 00:15:41,760 --> 00:15:45,240 Speaker 2: in wrong positions or whatnot. But once again, it's just 306 00:15:45,280 --> 00:15:49,040 Speaker 2: about you know, accepting that understanding that you know it 307 00:15:49,080 --> 00:15:52,320 Speaker 2: has happened, and looking at wastes obviously combat it next 308 00:15:52,360 --> 00:15:54,520 Speaker 2: time it comes around. All you know, how you get 309 00:15:54,520 --> 00:15:57,320 Speaker 2: back from that injury and looking at training methods that 310 00:15:57,360 --> 00:16:01,880 Speaker 2: can you know, help prevent or help you get yourself 311 00:16:01,920 --> 00:16:02,840 Speaker 2: back from that injury. 312 00:16:03,360 --> 00:16:05,480 Speaker 1: And how important is the timeline is to give yourself 313 00:16:05,600 --> 00:16:08,480 Speaker 1: enough time to make sure that you heal correctly and 314 00:16:08,520 --> 00:16:11,600 Speaker 1: that that injury doesn't haunt you for the rest of 315 00:16:11,640 --> 00:16:15,000 Speaker 1: your career or potentially re established and put you out 316 00:16:15,040 --> 00:16:15,320 Speaker 1: the game. 317 00:16:15,640 --> 00:16:18,160 Speaker 2: Yeah, extremely important. I probably learned the hard way this year. 318 00:16:18,200 --> 00:16:21,360 Speaker 2: I tore my hammy and tried to rush back, ended 319 00:16:21,440 --> 00:16:25,280 Speaker 2: up reaggravating it and then obviously having problems later on 320 00:16:25,320 --> 00:16:27,560 Speaker 2: in the year, which led to me a tearing my calf. 321 00:16:27,600 --> 00:16:32,800 Speaker 2: So when you think you're right, it's probably another opportunity 322 00:16:32,840 --> 00:16:36,360 Speaker 2: to take one more week. So, especially if you're young, 323 00:16:36,400 --> 00:16:39,200 Speaker 2: I mean, there's so much sport in front of you 324 00:16:39,280 --> 00:16:43,200 Speaker 2: and you don't want to have one injury hamper you 325 00:16:43,320 --> 00:16:47,240 Speaker 2: for your career to come because it can reaggravate and 326 00:16:47,480 --> 00:16:51,080 Speaker 2: keep happening. It's extremely important to listen to your body, 327 00:16:51,160 --> 00:16:54,120 Speaker 2: make sure you're right, and obviously get professional advice as well. 328 00:17:03,320 --> 00:17:06,200 Speaker 3: Let's go back into your fisty into your career. When 329 00:17:06,280 --> 00:17:10,040 Speaker 3: was the first moment that you realize that this is it? 330 00:17:10,119 --> 00:17:13,080 Speaker 1: You know, I've sort of made it there because I 331 00:17:13,080 --> 00:17:15,359 Speaker 1: don't know if there was a moment, but when you're like, 332 00:17:15,440 --> 00:17:18,520 Speaker 1: do you know what this? I'm in it, I'm fully 333 00:17:18,560 --> 00:17:21,240 Speaker 1: in it. You know this is this is my chance, 334 00:17:21,320 --> 00:17:23,959 Speaker 1: this is me. Was there ever a moment where you're 335 00:17:24,000 --> 00:17:26,119 Speaker 1: just like, right, this is this is me for the 336 00:17:26,119 --> 00:17:26,919 Speaker 1: rest of my career. 337 00:17:28,119 --> 00:17:32,440 Speaker 2: Yeah, I think it happens through stages of your career. 338 00:17:32,480 --> 00:17:34,360 Speaker 2: I mean I thought I'd made it when I first 339 00:17:34,400 --> 00:17:37,520 Speaker 2: played first grade and as young kids, we played one 340 00:17:37,560 --> 00:17:39,800 Speaker 2: first grade game, and we think we've made it, and 341 00:17:40,359 --> 00:17:43,160 Speaker 2: to an extent, we have, because that's a dream fulfilled 342 00:17:43,200 --> 00:17:46,480 Speaker 2: and but when you look back at it, or when 343 00:17:46,520 --> 00:17:48,560 Speaker 2: I look back at it now, I certainly know that 344 00:17:48,680 --> 00:17:52,040 Speaker 2: wasn't the moment that I made it. It was. It 345 00:17:52,080 --> 00:17:55,280 Speaker 2: was a moment that I'm super proud of and grateful 346 00:17:55,320 --> 00:17:58,000 Speaker 2: because everything I did as a junior working up to 347 00:17:58,040 --> 00:18:02,199 Speaker 2: that moment was everything I dreamed of. But for for 348 00:18:02,280 --> 00:18:07,000 Speaker 2: me making it as a first grader, it certainly wasn't. 349 00:18:07,000 --> 00:18:09,479 Speaker 2: It wasn't that moment. It was a. It was a 350 00:18:09,480 --> 00:18:13,439 Speaker 2: moment I remember, maybe a year or two into my 351 00:18:13,440 --> 00:18:16,119 Speaker 2: my career, and it was when I stopped being a 352 00:18:16,200 --> 00:18:17,840 Speaker 2: role player, and it was when it was the team 353 00:18:18,080 --> 00:18:22,720 Speaker 2: actually needed me to step up and deliver. That's the 354 00:18:22,760 --> 00:18:26,880 Speaker 2: moment where I think I became a first grader. It's 355 00:18:26,920 --> 00:18:28,840 Speaker 2: easy to play first grade and just do your role 356 00:18:28,880 --> 00:18:31,800 Speaker 2: and get the boys around the field and do my job. 357 00:18:31,840 --> 00:18:34,639 Speaker 2: But it wasn't until the actual team needed me to 358 00:18:34,680 --> 00:18:37,480 Speaker 2: deliver and you know, step out of my comfort zone 359 00:18:37,520 --> 00:18:41,280 Speaker 2: and do things that have the influence over the game. 360 00:18:41,480 --> 00:18:45,720 Speaker 2: Is what I see is me making it in first grade. 361 00:18:45,880 --> 00:18:48,280 Speaker 1: It's pretty much like us when we get badged when 362 00:18:48,280 --> 00:18:51,080 Speaker 1: it's cooled, you know, when we go from rather be 363 00:18:51,119 --> 00:18:53,639 Speaker 1: an elite raw marine and we go on selection and 364 00:18:53,960 --> 00:18:54,760 Speaker 1: we get badged. 365 00:18:54,760 --> 00:18:55,439 Speaker 3: Do we passed? 366 00:18:56,359 --> 00:18:58,720 Speaker 1: You know, that's a moment in your life where I 367 00:18:58,720 --> 00:19:03,159 Speaker 1: suppose you can equal it to being the elite first grade. 368 00:19:03,840 --> 00:19:06,720 Speaker 1: And I can just remember getting given my burying belt 369 00:19:06,760 --> 00:19:09,960 Speaker 1: and them saying to me, as hard as to keep 370 00:19:10,000 --> 00:19:12,640 Speaker 1: them to earn, you know, and you think you may 371 00:19:12,960 --> 00:19:17,240 Speaker 1: you make it, but it's it's a headspace and I 372 00:19:17,240 --> 00:19:19,679 Speaker 1: suppose you know, going back to being disciplined is a 373 00:19:19,680 --> 00:19:22,840 Speaker 1: headspace that you've just got to go and then milestones 374 00:19:22,840 --> 00:19:23,639 Speaker 1: in life, right. 375 00:19:23,680 --> 00:19:28,600 Speaker 2: Yeah, I totally like that concept. I think there's a 376 00:19:28,680 --> 00:19:32,200 Speaker 2: lot of pressure on us to perform when you first 377 00:19:32,200 --> 00:19:35,360 Speaker 2: get into the team, but it's nothing like when you're 378 00:19:35,400 --> 00:19:38,880 Speaker 2: the top dog and you've got everyone behind you sort 379 00:19:38,920 --> 00:19:41,040 Speaker 2: of counting on you to get the job done. I 380 00:19:41,040 --> 00:19:43,400 Speaker 2: think that's the moment for me that really stands out. 381 00:19:44,560 --> 00:19:48,480 Speaker 2: Until you go through those moments, you don't appreciate, you know, 382 00:19:48,520 --> 00:19:51,399 Speaker 2: all those little moments that you've had throughout your career. 383 00:19:52,760 --> 00:19:54,600 Speaker 2: And I've certainly had a lot of moments where I'm 384 00:19:54,600 --> 00:19:57,040 Speaker 2: proud of in my career. But that first time that 385 00:19:57,040 --> 00:19:59,400 Speaker 2: you actually stand up and deliver and win a game 386 00:19:59,400 --> 00:20:02,760 Speaker 2: for your team is you know, the true you know 387 00:20:02,800 --> 00:20:04,840 Speaker 2: highlights that stand out for me. Man. 388 00:20:04,880 --> 00:20:06,800 Speaker 1: I love that you said that because you've got you know, 389 00:20:06,880 --> 00:20:08,800 Speaker 1: you kick the field goal to win the match for 390 00:20:08,920 --> 00:20:12,840 Speaker 1: South Sydney, you know, the golden point and extra time. 391 00:20:13,560 --> 00:20:15,160 Speaker 3: Just take me back to that moment when you when 392 00:20:15,200 --> 00:20:15,920 Speaker 3: you kick that goal. 393 00:20:16,040 --> 00:20:20,280 Speaker 1: Just from a psychological standpoint and an emotional standpoint, you know, 394 00:20:21,480 --> 00:20:24,040 Speaker 1: are you overthinking what's going through your head during that 395 00:20:24,200 --> 00:20:25,040 Speaker 1: during that game? 396 00:20:26,920 --> 00:20:30,400 Speaker 2: Well, everything for me, is processed driven. So I've done 397 00:20:30,400 --> 00:20:33,000 Speaker 2: it a thousand times, whether it's a training or on 398 00:20:33,040 --> 00:20:35,560 Speaker 2: my own down the park. So I've replicated that moment 399 00:20:35,640 --> 00:20:39,520 Speaker 2: over and over and over again. So firstly, I'm comfortable 400 00:20:39,520 --> 00:20:42,679 Speaker 2: in that position, and I'm the one who wants the 401 00:20:42,680 --> 00:20:45,160 Speaker 2: ball in my hands when the game's on the line 402 00:20:45,160 --> 00:20:48,680 Speaker 2: in those moments, So I remember that game like it 403 00:20:48,760 --> 00:20:51,520 Speaker 2: was yesterday. I mean, I was back and forth, back 404 00:20:51,520 --> 00:20:55,720 Speaker 2: and forth with with some George and had I had 405 00:20:55,720 --> 00:20:58,480 Speaker 2: a really good game, so I was feeling good about 406 00:20:58,480 --> 00:21:02,399 Speaker 2: myself in the first place. And yeah, as soon as 407 00:21:02,400 --> 00:21:05,439 Speaker 2: it gets down to those moments, it's pretty simple. My 408 00:21:05,840 --> 00:21:10,120 Speaker 2: focus becomes so narrow that I'm only worried about where 409 00:21:10,160 --> 00:21:11,600 Speaker 2: I need to get the born, where I need to 410 00:21:11,640 --> 00:21:14,400 Speaker 2: be in position to have the shot. And when I'm 411 00:21:14,400 --> 00:21:17,640 Speaker 2: in that in the zone, I know exactly what needs 412 00:21:17,640 --> 00:21:19,919 Speaker 2: to happen, where it needs to go, and and then 413 00:21:19,920 --> 00:21:23,879 Speaker 2: it's just about executing it, you know. And then the 414 00:21:23,920 --> 00:21:26,200 Speaker 2: moments that we've practiced over and over and over again. 415 00:21:26,320 --> 00:21:28,960 Speaker 2: So I definitely felt it. And I think when you 416 00:21:30,000 --> 00:21:33,879 Speaker 2: lean into those moments and you want that moment, you 417 00:21:33,920 --> 00:21:37,199 Speaker 2: know your mindset's positive straight away. I think if you 418 00:21:37,240 --> 00:21:40,160 Speaker 2: shy away from those moments and you you don't want 419 00:21:40,160 --> 00:21:42,560 Speaker 2: it but it comes your way, that's when the doubt 420 00:21:42,640 --> 00:21:46,359 Speaker 2: comes in and you don't quite you know, hit it 421 00:21:46,400 --> 00:21:49,480 Speaker 2: the way you want, or your second guessing yourself and 422 00:21:49,520 --> 00:21:51,399 Speaker 2: it doesn't quite come off. So for me, it was 423 00:21:51,440 --> 00:21:54,800 Speaker 2: all about taking that moment. You know, I was always 424 00:21:54,800 --> 00:21:57,840 Speaker 2: going to have that moment no one else, and you 425 00:21:57,840 --> 00:22:00,919 Speaker 2: know through my practices I was confident. That's what you 426 00:22:00,960 --> 00:22:04,239 Speaker 2: need sometimes, is that confidence to step up and now 427 00:22:04,240 --> 00:22:04,520 Speaker 2: at the. 428 00:22:04,440 --> 00:22:08,800 Speaker 1: Moment, yes, mate, And you know, talking about confidence, you're 429 00:22:08,800 --> 00:22:11,760 Speaker 1: obviously now at that moment you're in full flow. 430 00:22:12,040 --> 00:22:12,840 Speaker 2: You know, you're. 431 00:22:14,560 --> 00:22:15,600 Speaker 3: You're killing it mates. 432 00:22:15,800 --> 00:22:18,720 Speaker 1: And then you get in twenty twelve you get Rookie 433 00:22:18,800 --> 00:22:23,960 Speaker 1: of the Year and you also finished the highest goalscorer 434 00:22:24,200 --> 00:22:30,480 Speaker 1: with ninety seven. It's going from positive to positive to positive. 435 00:22:30,560 --> 00:22:33,560 Speaker 1: What does it feel like getting up and getting the 436 00:22:33,680 --> 00:22:34,440 Speaker 1: Rookie of the Year. 437 00:22:34,840 --> 00:22:36,280 Speaker 2: Yeah, I think the biggest thing for me out of 438 00:22:36,280 --> 00:22:39,760 Speaker 2: that was the respect of my peers. I think you 439 00:22:39,800 --> 00:22:42,919 Speaker 2: still doubt yourself as a rookie. You're playing against some 440 00:22:42,960 --> 00:22:44,760 Speaker 2: of your idols or heroes that you looked up to. 441 00:22:44,920 --> 00:22:47,919 Speaker 2: So to stand on that stage alongside some of the 442 00:22:47,960 --> 00:22:51,160 Speaker 2: greats of our game, and you know, have their respect. 443 00:22:51,280 --> 00:22:56,080 Speaker 2: Was certainly bigger than any award. I'm quite a shy 444 00:22:56,520 --> 00:23:00,159 Speaker 2: or humble person. I don't like the individual success for 445 00:23:00,200 --> 00:23:03,639 Speaker 2: rather the team success, so it was quite embarrassing for 446 00:23:03,680 --> 00:23:07,040 Speaker 2: me to be up there. I mean in in a 447 00:23:07,080 --> 00:23:11,880 Speaker 2: respectful way. But we still had a bit of hurt, 448 00:23:11,960 --> 00:23:15,000 Speaker 2: which you know, filled the motivation there. We made a 449 00:23:15,000 --> 00:23:18,399 Speaker 2: preliminary final one game before the Grand Final, and I 450 00:23:18,440 --> 00:23:22,160 Speaker 2: tore my hamstring whilst we're up eight six, and then 451 00:23:22,160 --> 00:23:25,720 Speaker 2: we went on to lose the game. So I sort 452 00:23:25,760 --> 00:23:27,919 Speaker 2: of felt that I let the team down in that 453 00:23:27,960 --> 00:23:30,439 Speaker 2: regard from getting injured and obviously not going on to 454 00:23:30,440 --> 00:23:34,440 Speaker 2: get the job. But it's always good to receive those awards. 455 00:23:35,160 --> 00:23:39,359 Speaker 2: All bit I was. I was pretty embarrassed, and I'd 456 00:23:39,400 --> 00:23:42,080 Speaker 2: much rather the praise go to my teammates rather than myself. 457 00:23:42,119 --> 00:23:46,240 Speaker 2: I think I've always been one to dish all the 458 00:23:46,240 --> 00:23:48,880 Speaker 2: praise off to my teammates rather than take it myself. 459 00:23:48,960 --> 00:23:52,840 Speaker 2: I've you know, I come from humble beginnings where we 460 00:23:52,880 --> 00:23:54,840 Speaker 2: didn't have much, but we had it. We had family 461 00:23:54,880 --> 00:23:58,479 Speaker 2: and that was enough for me. So anytime I'm singled 462 00:23:58,520 --> 00:24:01,879 Speaker 2: out I feel as if I, you know, on the 463 00:24:01,920 --> 00:24:04,760 Speaker 2: own a bit, and yeah, not too comfortable with that. 464 00:24:04,800 --> 00:24:08,000 Speaker 2: I mean, I'm a family man. I've always has been, 465 00:24:08,040 --> 00:24:12,240 Speaker 2: and anytime I get a bit of individual praise, it Yeah, 466 00:24:12,359 --> 00:24:13,520 Speaker 2: it's a bit funny. 467 00:24:13,880 --> 00:24:19,800 Speaker 1: For you guys. The job is the grand Final, right 468 00:24:20,080 --> 00:24:20,840 Speaker 1: is that? Is? 469 00:24:20,880 --> 00:24:21,320 Speaker 2: That? Is that? 470 00:24:21,359 --> 00:24:22,840 Speaker 3: The job for you is? 471 00:24:22,920 --> 00:24:25,800 Speaker 1: You know, are you aiming towards that every with every 472 00:24:25,920 --> 00:24:29,919 Speaker 1: single game that you play? And how important is it 473 00:24:30,000 --> 00:24:34,920 Speaker 1: to to achieve these these heights? And I want to 474 00:24:34,960 --> 00:24:39,239 Speaker 1: say these heights as an elite athlete, because when you 475 00:24:39,280 --> 00:24:43,840 Speaker 1: step into the coliseum at that elite level, surely you know, 476 00:24:44,080 --> 00:24:46,840 Speaker 1: is it's on everyone's mind that the job isn't done 477 00:24:46,920 --> 00:24:48,000 Speaker 1: until you pick. 478 00:24:47,960 --> 00:24:50,840 Speaker 2: Up a ground final. Yeah, well, as athletes were judged 479 00:24:50,880 --> 00:24:52,720 Speaker 2: on whether we win or lose. I mean, at the 480 00:24:52,840 --> 00:24:55,360 Speaker 2: end of the day, there's only there's only one team 481 00:24:55,400 --> 00:24:58,639 Speaker 2: that can lift the trophy. And you know, every player, 482 00:24:58,720 --> 00:25:01,960 Speaker 2: every club strives to be on the podium at the 483 00:25:02,040 --> 00:25:05,360 Speaker 2: end of the season. And you know, I don't see 484 00:25:05,359 --> 00:25:07,960 Speaker 2: it as a failure, but I see it as a 485 00:25:07,960 --> 00:25:10,280 Speaker 2: as a work in progress for the other teams that 486 00:25:10,400 --> 00:25:15,080 Speaker 2: don't get there. And you know, unfortunately not everyone gets 487 00:25:15,080 --> 00:25:19,560 Speaker 2: to experience those highs, but so motivating factor for myself 488 00:25:19,600 --> 00:25:22,560 Speaker 2: and you know, I can imagine everyone else out there 489 00:25:22,600 --> 00:25:25,159 Speaker 2: to obviously try and stand on that podium at the 490 00:25:25,200 --> 00:25:28,359 Speaker 2: end of the season. It's a special feeling and you know, 491 00:25:28,480 --> 00:25:36,880 Speaker 2: only a few players get to experience it. 492 00:25:39,320 --> 00:25:43,600 Speaker 1: In twenty and fourteen, you go on and win the 493 00:25:43,640 --> 00:25:48,840 Speaker 1: Grand Final. What does your morning look like on the 494 00:25:48,920 --> 00:25:53,360 Speaker 1: day of a Grand Final? Being the player that you are. 495 00:25:54,080 --> 00:25:57,560 Speaker 2: I'm pretty relaxed, to be fair. I'd like to compartmentalize 496 00:25:57,600 --> 00:25:59,879 Speaker 2: and get away from it, and having a young family 497 00:26:00,000 --> 00:26:03,320 Speaker 2: allowed me to do that, so I don't like to 498 00:26:03,320 --> 00:26:06,280 Speaker 2: play the game before the game's started. So for me, 499 00:26:06,359 --> 00:26:09,359 Speaker 2: it was about getting away from the game and enjoying 500 00:26:09,359 --> 00:26:11,600 Speaker 2: the little things in life. I'm lucky to have a 501 00:26:11,600 --> 00:26:14,879 Speaker 2: few distractions outside of football that allowed me to do that. 502 00:26:15,080 --> 00:26:17,680 Speaker 2: But the closer you get to kick off, obviously the 503 00:26:19,160 --> 00:26:21,560 Speaker 2: mind narrows and gets a bit more sharply with focus, 504 00:26:21,600 --> 00:26:24,560 Speaker 2: and you know, you get on the team bus, the 505 00:26:24,600 --> 00:26:27,200 Speaker 2: headphones go on, you go through your playlist and whatnot. 506 00:26:27,480 --> 00:26:29,320 Speaker 2: You sit there, you look around at your teammates and 507 00:26:29,880 --> 00:26:31,679 Speaker 2: they're all doing the same thing. You know, you zoned 508 00:26:31,720 --> 00:26:34,200 Speaker 2: in and it's probably not until you get to the 509 00:26:34,240 --> 00:26:38,040 Speaker 2: stadium where the butterflies and the nerves kick in and 510 00:26:38,600 --> 00:26:40,680 Speaker 2: hear the crowd role and you're walking through the change 511 00:26:40,760 --> 00:26:44,000 Speaker 2: rooms and headphones come off and you have those conversations 512 00:26:44,000 --> 00:26:47,800 Speaker 2: with the players about their job, your job. You go 513 00:26:47,840 --> 00:26:51,240 Speaker 2: over the last minute details and whatnot, and you get 514 00:26:51,240 --> 00:26:53,280 Speaker 2: into your warm up and it's all go from there. 515 00:26:53,320 --> 00:26:57,800 Speaker 2: But yeah, I certainly don't like to think too much 516 00:26:57,840 --> 00:27:00,639 Speaker 2: about the game on game they during the week. I 517 00:27:00,680 --> 00:27:04,800 Speaker 2: think it's it's an important part to you know, I 518 00:27:04,840 --> 00:27:07,359 Speaker 2: get the confidence throughout the way tick every box you 519 00:27:07,400 --> 00:27:10,720 Speaker 2: need to, and you know that certainly makes the head 520 00:27:10,720 --> 00:27:11,359 Speaker 2: noise quieter. 521 00:27:13,160 --> 00:27:16,320 Speaker 1: And then stepping onto the pitch, what goes through your 522 00:27:16,359 --> 00:27:18,680 Speaker 1: mind because it is a different mentality. Like you say, 523 00:27:18,680 --> 00:27:21,159 Speaker 1: you're on the coach, it's almost like us being on 524 00:27:21,200 --> 00:27:24,000 Speaker 1: the chinook waiting to go on to target. You know, 525 00:27:24,080 --> 00:27:26,960 Speaker 1: it's midnight, we've got our headphones in mate, you know 526 00:27:27,000 --> 00:27:29,520 Speaker 1: what I mean. Then we get the two minutes before 527 00:27:29,520 --> 00:27:33,320 Speaker 1: we land and eyes it's like walking then, you know, 528 00:27:33,680 --> 00:27:37,320 Speaker 1: and then we're just it's quietly calm and collected, knowing 529 00:27:37,359 --> 00:27:40,240 Speaker 1: that you know, and that's exactly the same We've probably 530 00:27:40,320 --> 00:27:42,719 Speaker 1: knowing that at the moment we fire that first bullet 531 00:27:42,800 --> 00:27:45,200 Speaker 1: or that first round, that we're just going to fall 532 00:27:45,240 --> 00:27:47,760 Speaker 1: back on each other, fall back on our training again, 533 00:27:47,880 --> 00:27:52,760 Speaker 1: just some repetition, repetition of what we've done before. Is 534 00:27:52,760 --> 00:27:55,000 Speaker 1: that what it's like when you step onto the picture, 535 00:27:55,000 --> 00:27:57,400 Speaker 1: you go from that, you go down the tunnel, you're 536 00:27:57,440 --> 00:27:59,720 Speaker 1: on the pitch, and then that whistle blows. 537 00:27:59,880 --> 00:28:02,760 Speaker 3: Is this switch of mentality? How does that work for you? 538 00:28:03,200 --> 00:28:07,000 Speaker 2: Yeah, it's when it all costs pretty much, like we said, 539 00:28:07,000 --> 00:28:09,520 Speaker 2: falling back to everything you've done throughout the year. I think, 540 00:28:09,600 --> 00:28:13,000 Speaker 2: you know, we get twenty odd weeks to prepare for 541 00:28:14,040 --> 00:28:16,600 Speaker 2: or to audition pretty much what our game plan is, 542 00:28:18,000 --> 00:28:21,520 Speaker 2: you know, for eighty minutes effectively, we've done it over 543 00:28:21,560 --> 00:28:23,359 Speaker 2: and over and over again, so we know it works. 544 00:28:23,359 --> 00:28:26,480 Speaker 2: It's just about you know, dialing in and making sure 545 00:28:26,520 --> 00:28:30,040 Speaker 2: that we're mentally switched on and ready to go. You've 546 00:28:30,080 --> 00:28:32,640 Speaker 2: certainly got to enjoy the moment for us. We run 547 00:28:32,680 --> 00:28:38,000 Speaker 2: out there. Obviously, big crowd, atmosphere is amazing, and then 548 00:28:38,040 --> 00:28:40,440 Speaker 2: we have a little moment there where we get the 549 00:28:40,480 --> 00:28:43,840 Speaker 2: anthem and then we're pretty much into it, and yeah, 550 00:28:44,160 --> 00:28:47,880 Speaker 2: like I said, do whatever it takes to get the victory. 551 00:28:47,920 --> 00:28:51,640 Speaker 2: And like that Grand Final, I mean Semi Burges runs 552 00:28:51,720 --> 00:28:54,160 Speaker 2: out there and has a head class first first thing. 553 00:28:54,320 --> 00:28:55,560 Speaker 2: I mean he's already got bad looks. 554 00:28:55,600 --> 00:28:57,880 Speaker 3: Yeah, I think it approved. It looks to be fair. 555 00:29:00,320 --> 00:29:02,560 Speaker 2: Like that moment, right, he was never gonna go off 556 00:29:02,600 --> 00:29:04,120 Speaker 2: and let his teammates down. He was going to do 557 00:29:04,160 --> 00:29:06,680 Speaker 2: whatever to talk to make sure he get the job done. 558 00:29:07,640 --> 00:29:10,200 Speaker 2: And you know, players around him stood up and he 559 00:29:10,320 --> 00:29:14,200 Speaker 2: needed them probably more than ever. And you know, it 560 00:29:14,280 --> 00:29:18,680 Speaker 2: was just an unbelievable night to witness that firsthand, and 561 00:29:20,120 --> 00:29:22,120 Speaker 2: you know, to see the extent of the damage and 562 00:29:22,240 --> 00:29:24,080 Speaker 2: to know what he went through to get the job done. 563 00:29:24,760 --> 00:29:27,560 Speaker 2: You know him and himself and other players would have 564 00:29:27,560 --> 00:29:28,080 Speaker 2: done the same. 565 00:29:28,520 --> 00:29:30,160 Speaker 3: He scored a try during that game, didn't you. 566 00:29:30,640 --> 00:29:33,880 Speaker 2: Yes, I scored one at the end. So yeah, nice 567 00:29:33,880 --> 00:29:34,440 Speaker 2: little moment. 568 00:29:34,520 --> 00:29:36,200 Speaker 3: Yeah, I love what you said as well. 569 00:29:36,240 --> 00:29:39,840 Speaker 1: There mate is you know the team, you know, no 570 00:29:39,880 --> 00:29:40,960 Speaker 1: one's bigger than the team. 571 00:29:41,240 --> 00:29:43,040 Speaker 3: It's it's a team effort. 572 00:29:43,120 --> 00:29:44,880 Speaker 1: You know, when you look to your left into your 573 00:29:44,960 --> 00:29:49,440 Speaker 1: right and you might see someone injured or you know 574 00:29:49,520 --> 00:29:52,840 Speaker 1: they're taking a big hit like Sammy did, and but 575 00:29:52,960 --> 00:29:56,560 Speaker 1: to see him, you know, just in the game, you know, 576 00:29:56,720 --> 00:29:59,240 Speaker 1: just looking at you going because I spoke to him 577 00:29:59,360 --> 00:30:01,920 Speaker 1: in debt for about this situation, you know, and he 578 00:30:01,960 --> 00:30:05,200 Speaker 1: said he was in this, you know, against the opposition 579 00:30:05,600 --> 00:30:09,000 Speaker 1: and even one of his good powers in the Bulldogs. 580 00:30:09,040 --> 00:30:11,040 Speaker 3: When you need you need to go off mate. 581 00:30:11,040 --> 00:30:14,040 Speaker 1: You know your face is hanging off, and you know, 582 00:30:14,400 --> 00:30:17,640 Speaker 1: but you know, to have that, to see someone like 583 00:30:17,680 --> 00:30:20,800 Speaker 1: that that's in the game, that's willing to sacrifice the 584 00:30:20,920 --> 00:30:25,760 Speaker 1: ultimate to get how does that help you emotionally and 585 00:30:25,800 --> 00:30:29,640 Speaker 1: psychologically to think, like, listen, we've got to get behind him. 586 00:30:29,640 --> 00:30:32,920 Speaker 1: If he's standing up and half his face is fractured, 587 00:30:33,320 --> 00:30:37,080 Speaker 1: how important is it? You know, that emotional connection between players, 588 00:30:37,440 --> 00:30:39,920 Speaker 1: you know, when you're in the firefight, when you're in 589 00:30:39,960 --> 00:30:40,480 Speaker 1: the battle. 590 00:30:40,880 --> 00:30:43,640 Speaker 2: Yeah, it's experiences. I mean throughout the year we had 591 00:30:43,760 --> 00:30:46,800 Speaker 2: a lot of experiences like that. I mean there was 592 00:30:46,800 --> 00:30:48,720 Speaker 2: a game where Sammy she started broke his finger and 593 00:30:48,760 --> 00:30:51,720 Speaker 2: his fingers hanging out of the skin, strapped it up 594 00:30:51,720 --> 00:30:54,280 Speaker 2: and gone on with it. So firstly we knew he 595 00:30:54,320 --> 00:30:59,040 Speaker 2: could get through those moments. But it's inspiring to see 596 00:30:59,040 --> 00:31:02,240 Speaker 2: your teammates add on through injuries and all sorts of 597 00:31:02,520 --> 00:31:05,600 Speaker 2: different circumstances. You know, you don't want to be the 598 00:31:05,640 --> 00:31:08,680 Speaker 2: one to let him down, and it sort of puts 599 00:31:08,720 --> 00:31:10,440 Speaker 2: in the perspective that you just need to do your 600 00:31:10,520 --> 00:31:12,360 Speaker 2: job and if you do your job to the best 601 00:31:12,360 --> 00:31:15,240 Speaker 2: of your abilities, then you've got confidence that the bloke 602 00:31:15,280 --> 00:31:16,920 Speaker 2: next year is going to do his as well. So 603 00:31:18,160 --> 00:31:21,000 Speaker 2: for us, it's it was built up through you know, 604 00:31:21,040 --> 00:31:25,520 Speaker 2: a number of years of camaraderie, brotherhood, madship, all that 605 00:31:25,560 --> 00:31:29,200 Speaker 2: sort of stuff, and they're the moments that get you through, 606 00:31:29,880 --> 00:31:31,760 Speaker 2: you know, to the end, and to stand there at 607 00:31:31,800 --> 00:31:33,520 Speaker 2: the end of the game looking at each other knowing 608 00:31:33,560 --> 00:31:36,560 Speaker 2: that you gave it your all, there's probably no better feeling. 609 00:31:37,200 --> 00:31:39,760 Speaker 3: What was it like moving clubs? 610 00:31:40,680 --> 00:31:43,840 Speaker 1: And also the you know, the temptation along the way 611 00:31:44,720 --> 00:31:48,760 Speaker 1: when you know, when they see such potential like yourself 612 00:31:48,840 --> 00:31:51,600 Speaker 1: and you're you're smashing it and wanting to pull you 613 00:31:51,600 --> 00:31:52,560 Speaker 1: away from your team. 614 00:31:52,640 --> 00:31:54,160 Speaker 3: Well, what did that. 615 00:31:54,040 --> 00:31:58,000 Speaker 1: Feel like when when you decided to move and what 616 00:31:58,080 --> 00:32:00,120 Speaker 1: was it feel like? And just in general, you know, 617 00:32:00,560 --> 00:32:03,280 Speaker 1: when you've got these bonds with players in general, just 618 00:32:03,280 --> 00:32:06,920 Speaker 1: just moving clubs, what did it feel like moving clubs? 619 00:32:07,760 --> 00:32:11,000 Speaker 2: It's really hard. I think we become so attached to 620 00:32:11,040 --> 00:32:13,000 Speaker 2: that club. I mean, I grew up across the road 621 00:32:13,000 --> 00:32:17,040 Speaker 2: from the Oval. I idolized a lot of the senior boys. 622 00:32:18,920 --> 00:32:21,600 Speaker 2: You know, a lot of history about the club. I 623 00:32:21,720 --> 00:32:25,680 Speaker 2: was so entrenched with and like you said, the bonds 624 00:32:25,680 --> 00:32:28,480 Speaker 2: that you have with the players, the coaching staff, the fans, 625 00:32:29,440 --> 00:32:33,480 Speaker 2: so it feels like a family. And when things don't 626 00:32:33,520 --> 00:32:35,560 Speaker 2: quite work out and you move on, it's it's it's 627 00:32:35,600 --> 00:32:38,160 Speaker 2: pretty sad and daunting at the same time. I mean 628 00:32:38,200 --> 00:32:41,520 Speaker 2: it's new faces, new challenges. You know, you have to 629 00:32:41,600 --> 00:32:43,800 Speaker 2: learn the history of the clubs that you go in to. 630 00:32:45,400 --> 00:32:49,040 Speaker 2: So for me, it was probably a bigger psychological battle 631 00:32:49,240 --> 00:32:52,560 Speaker 2: than anything else. You know, I was just coming off 632 00:32:52,560 --> 00:32:55,840 Speaker 2: a Grand Final loss with South Sydney, moving to another club, 633 00:32:56,640 --> 00:32:59,320 Speaker 2: and then for me it was about proving myself again. 634 00:32:59,360 --> 00:33:02,080 Speaker 2: And you know, I'm not going there for a holiday. 635 00:33:02,120 --> 00:33:04,680 Speaker 2: I was going there to to change that club and 636 00:33:04,920 --> 00:33:08,120 Speaker 2: to achieve success and for them to have faith in me. 637 00:33:09,040 --> 00:33:11,640 Speaker 2: It was was pretty much all I needed to, you know, 638 00:33:11,760 --> 00:33:15,440 Speaker 2: want to repay that. So it's firstly, you know, trying 639 00:33:15,440 --> 00:33:18,960 Speaker 2: to connect with the new boys and you know, form 640 00:33:19,000 --> 00:33:21,800 Speaker 2: a bond and a brotherhood that I had at South Sydney, 641 00:33:21,840 --> 00:33:23,840 Speaker 2: and I knew if I could get that. I knew 642 00:33:23,880 --> 00:33:27,479 Speaker 2: we had the right tools, we had the right culture 643 00:33:27,480 --> 00:33:29,520 Speaker 2: at the club, that we could change that around pretty quick. 644 00:33:29,560 --> 00:33:33,640 Speaker 2: But yeah, it was still pretty you know, tough to 645 00:33:33,680 --> 00:33:35,640 Speaker 2: move on from from South Sydney. It was it was 646 00:33:35,680 --> 00:33:39,160 Speaker 2: a place I ideally loved, I still love and you know, 647 00:33:39,160 --> 00:33:41,400 Speaker 2: I got a lot of respect for everyone there, and 648 00:33:42,680 --> 00:33:47,120 Speaker 2: emotionally it was hard to detach from, you know, moving 649 00:33:47,160 --> 00:33:50,240 Speaker 2: on straight away. But as a player and as a professional, 650 00:33:50,280 --> 00:33:53,560 Speaker 2: you've got to park those emotions to the side sometimes 651 00:33:53,560 --> 00:33:56,360 Speaker 2: and get on with life because you know, it does 652 00:33:56,440 --> 00:33:57,080 Speaker 2: move pretty quick. 653 00:33:57,280 --> 00:33:59,160 Speaker 3: It doesn't stop, mate, it doesn't stop. 654 00:33:59,200 --> 00:34:03,480 Speaker 1: And how important is it to form that bond and 655 00:34:03,680 --> 00:34:07,280 Speaker 1: how do you forge? So the difference between forming one 656 00:34:07,320 --> 00:34:11,800 Speaker 1: and then making it work these fur links connecting, because 657 00:34:11,840 --> 00:34:16,040 Speaker 1: for me, that bond is will give you that extra 658 00:34:16,440 --> 00:34:19,160 Speaker 1: you know, half a percent or even one percent that 659 00:34:19,239 --> 00:34:23,600 Speaker 1: you need to win these games to become champions, to 660 00:34:23,760 --> 00:34:27,080 Speaker 1: really become a team that is feared. How do you 661 00:34:27,440 --> 00:34:31,640 Speaker 1: go from a club like the Roritos into another club 662 00:34:31,680 --> 00:34:32,920 Speaker 1: to forge that same bond? 663 00:34:32,920 --> 00:34:34,799 Speaker 3: How does that work in your head? And how does 664 00:34:34,800 --> 00:34:35,480 Speaker 3: that manifest? 665 00:34:36,239 --> 00:34:39,200 Speaker 2: Yeah, it's extremely hard to have a unique or like 666 00:34:39,800 --> 00:34:42,000 Speaker 2: a serious bond I mean it takes time in the 667 00:34:42,040 --> 00:34:47,239 Speaker 2: trenches to earn their respect firstly, and then to have 668 00:34:47,320 --> 00:34:51,600 Speaker 2: those experiences both on and off the field. You know, 669 00:34:51,719 --> 00:34:53,680 Speaker 2: the more you have, obviously the date of the connection 670 00:34:53,840 --> 00:34:56,560 Speaker 2: is there. But to try and get one moving straight away, 671 00:34:57,280 --> 00:35:00,160 Speaker 2: it's extremely difficult. I mean, firstly, I had to to 672 00:35:00,200 --> 00:35:02,960 Speaker 2: meet all the players, learn their names, learn all the structures. 673 00:35:03,800 --> 00:35:06,440 Speaker 2: So there's a lot going on in behind the scenes. 674 00:35:06,440 --> 00:35:11,200 Speaker 2: And for us young males, alcohol is a quick way 675 00:35:11,280 --> 00:35:15,759 Speaker 2: to learn a bit about each other. So some some 676 00:35:15,840 --> 00:35:19,239 Speaker 2: bonding nights there with the boys. It's always a good way. 677 00:35:19,239 --> 00:35:21,400 Speaker 3: But we won't go into those mates. We won't go 678 00:35:21,480 --> 00:35:22,480 Speaker 3: into those I may. 679 00:35:22,400 --> 00:35:26,359 Speaker 1: Get canceled, no, but you're right, it's just the way 680 00:35:26,440 --> 00:35:27,200 Speaker 1: that it's always. 681 00:35:28,280 --> 00:35:30,280 Speaker 2: Yeah, it is a way to speed up the process. 682 00:35:30,360 --> 00:35:33,920 Speaker 2: But on a deeper connection, it's about honestly being in 683 00:35:33,960 --> 00:35:36,720 Speaker 2: the trenches and working beside you, your mates, your teammates, 684 00:35:36,719 --> 00:35:39,279 Speaker 2: your brothers. Once you go through those moments like we 685 00:35:39,400 --> 00:35:41,920 Speaker 2: spoke about with Semi getting injured and playing through that, 686 00:35:42,520 --> 00:35:45,520 Speaker 2: I think that builds respect, It builds resilience amongst the group, 687 00:35:45,560 --> 00:35:50,000 Speaker 2: and that camaraderie in the change rooms is extremely important 688 00:35:50,000 --> 00:35:52,239 Speaker 2: as well. It's all good to be serious once you 689 00:35:52,239 --> 00:35:55,240 Speaker 2: get across the white line and you know, game faces 690 00:35:55,239 --> 00:35:57,759 Speaker 2: come on. But you know, it's those moments in the 691 00:35:57,840 --> 00:36:00,480 Speaker 2: change rooms as well that that build you know, that 692 00:36:00,480 --> 00:36:05,920 Speaker 2: that bond because rugby league's probably ninety percent mental, ten 693 00:36:05,960 --> 00:36:10,160 Speaker 2: percent physical, and it's those moments in the change rooms 694 00:36:10,160 --> 00:36:13,400 Speaker 2: that obviously, you know, the boys draw upon and you know, 695 00:36:13,400 --> 00:36:14,800 Speaker 2: you get a bit of respect for each other in 696 00:36:14,840 --> 00:36:15,319 Speaker 2: there as well. 697 00:36:15,640 --> 00:36:19,720 Speaker 1: Mate, talk to me about captaincy. When did that come about? 698 00:36:19,840 --> 00:36:20,640 Speaker 1: How did that feel? 699 00:36:21,000 --> 00:36:23,000 Speaker 2: It's something that I never thought that would come in 700 00:36:23,000 --> 00:36:26,719 Speaker 2: my career. I mean as a young player, you know, 701 00:36:26,760 --> 00:36:28,520 Speaker 2: I was focused on doing my role and doing my 702 00:36:28,600 --> 00:36:33,120 Speaker 2: job for the team. And there was a little army 703 00:36:33,120 --> 00:36:35,080 Speaker 2: camp that we went through. I mean we had a 704 00:36:35,080 --> 00:36:38,800 Speaker 2: few of the senior players move on. Johnny Sutton, Sam Burgess, 705 00:36:38,840 --> 00:36:42,800 Speaker 2: Gregor Or retired in the back end of twenty nineteen, 706 00:36:42,880 --> 00:36:46,040 Speaker 2: and Wayne Bennett he was at the club. It was 707 00:36:46,080 --> 00:36:48,040 Speaker 2: through that camp that he was going to make his decision. 708 00:36:49,160 --> 00:36:51,640 Speaker 2: And I love those camps. I think they're fantastic to 709 00:36:51,680 --> 00:36:55,799 Speaker 2: build relationships amongst the boys. We talk about being in 710 00:36:55,840 --> 00:36:58,560 Speaker 2: the trenches and finding out about one another and when 711 00:36:58,600 --> 00:37:02,040 Speaker 2: times get tough at two stands up and you know, 712 00:37:02,080 --> 00:37:04,120 Speaker 2: as that team player or who goes in their own 713 00:37:04,160 --> 00:37:08,560 Speaker 2: head and becomes individuals. So it's great to obviously see 714 00:37:08,760 --> 00:37:12,080 Speaker 2: everyone and how they react that way. But you know, 715 00:37:12,200 --> 00:37:15,719 Speaker 2: being a team player I am. I I thought, you know, 716 00:37:15,760 --> 00:37:18,000 Speaker 2: it was a chance of happening and it was a 717 00:37:18,040 --> 00:37:22,200 Speaker 2: huge honor to receive that role. I mean it's you know, 718 00:37:22,239 --> 00:37:24,080 Speaker 2: you've got other leaders in the team as well that 719 00:37:24,120 --> 00:37:25,960 Speaker 2: help out and it's not just all on you, but 720 00:37:28,239 --> 00:37:29,960 Speaker 2: you know, it's a huge honor that comes with a 721 00:37:30,000 --> 00:37:32,719 Speaker 2: lot of respect and admiration from all the boys. So 722 00:37:33,680 --> 00:37:36,279 Speaker 2: it was extremely happy over the moon. You know, I 723 00:37:36,280 --> 00:37:37,960 Speaker 2: still had a lot to learn as a leader and 724 00:37:38,400 --> 00:37:41,759 Speaker 2: happy I can give those boys some experiences that they 725 00:37:41,800 --> 00:37:42,600 Speaker 2: may never have had. 726 00:37:42,760 --> 00:37:46,759 Speaker 1: What is the key to consistency, mate, Because it seems like, 727 00:37:46,920 --> 00:37:50,319 Speaker 1: you know, in order to pick up that captaincy from 728 00:37:50,400 --> 00:37:54,640 Speaker 1: for such a young player, you have to be consistent. 729 00:37:54,719 --> 00:37:57,440 Speaker 1: You had a great consistent run, but you need to 730 00:37:57,440 --> 00:38:01,560 Speaker 1: be consistent with yourself. How do you stay consistent and 731 00:38:01,640 --> 00:38:06,520 Speaker 1: what techniques and what do you think the catalyst of 732 00:38:07,239 --> 00:38:09,480 Speaker 1: staying consistent helped for you? 733 00:38:10,080 --> 00:38:13,000 Speaker 2: Yeah? I think firstly, you need to know yourself inside out, 734 00:38:13,239 --> 00:38:15,440 Speaker 2: and you need to know your morals and your values 735 00:38:15,480 --> 00:38:17,800 Speaker 2: and you've got to live by those on a daily basis. 736 00:38:17,920 --> 00:38:21,840 Speaker 2: I think that's the foundation or the fundamentals for me, 737 00:38:23,360 --> 00:38:26,880 Speaker 2: and then obviously having the respect amongst your peers. For me, 738 00:38:27,160 --> 00:38:30,279 Speaker 2: I'm quite a calm leader, so when things go a 739 00:38:30,280 --> 00:38:32,240 Speaker 2: bit pair shaped, I like to be nice and calm 740 00:38:32,280 --> 00:38:36,480 Speaker 2: through those moments. And I think that's what stood out 741 00:38:36,600 --> 00:38:39,759 Speaker 2: for the coaching staff which got me the job in 742 00:38:39,800 --> 00:38:43,200 Speaker 2: the end, was through those moments, I was the calm 743 00:38:43,239 --> 00:38:45,280 Speaker 2: one and everyone sort of looked to me for the answers. 744 00:38:45,320 --> 00:38:50,400 Speaker 2: And when you have those capabilities, you know, it's a 745 00:38:50,400 --> 00:38:52,920 Speaker 2: good feeling because you want to be the man that 746 00:38:52,960 --> 00:38:55,480 Speaker 2: can help the boys out of the dark times. And 747 00:38:56,200 --> 00:38:59,480 Speaker 2: it's all good in good moments. Everyone can lead, but 748 00:38:59,520 --> 00:39:02,280 Speaker 2: it's in the dark moments that you know are really 749 00:39:02,560 --> 00:39:05,040 Speaker 2: really tested. And for me, it was just going back 750 00:39:05,040 --> 00:39:08,560 Speaker 2: to the fundamentals, knowing my role, doing my job, being 751 00:39:08,560 --> 00:39:12,480 Speaker 2: the best I can firstly on a consistent basis, and 752 00:39:12,520 --> 00:39:14,440 Speaker 2: then off the back of that I can try and 753 00:39:14,480 --> 00:39:17,680 Speaker 2: help everyone from there. So along with having confidence and 754 00:39:17,760 --> 00:39:20,480 Speaker 2: knowing that you're doing the right thing, Yeah, I think 755 00:39:20,520 --> 00:39:25,760 Speaker 2: it's a good blend of characteristics. 756 00:39:24,160 --> 00:39:27,840 Speaker 1: And may your move to to the Brisbane Broncos you 757 00:39:28,680 --> 00:39:31,880 Speaker 1: make that move. We spoke about the psychological side of 758 00:39:31,960 --> 00:39:36,000 Speaker 1: team bonding, team building about it in this podcast. There's 759 00:39:36,000 --> 00:39:38,000 Speaker 1: a bit there's a bit of outrage, but I leave 760 00:39:38,040 --> 00:39:41,239 Speaker 1: that for your readers to read in your book. And 761 00:39:41,320 --> 00:39:46,080 Speaker 1: you become captain in early twenty twenty two Brisbane Broncos 762 00:39:46,520 --> 00:39:49,720 Speaker 1: new career, and then. 763 00:39:50,000 --> 00:39:55,799 Speaker 3: You go on winning and winning and winning, and you. 764 00:39:55,840 --> 00:40:01,319 Speaker 1: Recently lifted the trophy again a few weeks ago where 765 00:40:01,360 --> 00:40:04,480 Speaker 1: you tour your tool your hamstring. This take me back 766 00:40:04,520 --> 00:40:09,319 Speaker 1: to that injury quick mate and lifting the trophy before 767 00:40:09,320 --> 00:40:10,200 Speaker 1: we get onto your book. 768 00:40:10,760 --> 00:40:12,160 Speaker 2: It was hard to get up on the stage with 769 00:40:12,280 --> 00:40:17,080 Speaker 2: a torn calf, but it was a funny old game. 770 00:40:17,200 --> 00:40:19,680 Speaker 2: I mean, I was coming back from a hamstring injury 771 00:40:21,120 --> 00:40:24,680 Speaker 2: weeks prior. I tried the rush back, redone the hammy 772 00:40:25,520 --> 00:40:27,520 Speaker 2: and then fighting my way through to get back into 773 00:40:27,560 --> 00:40:30,480 Speaker 2: the team. I mean that they were playing some unbelievable football, 774 00:40:30,560 --> 00:40:33,799 Speaker 2: so there was no rush in the end to get back. 775 00:40:33,880 --> 00:40:37,160 Speaker 2: But you know, when you're working so hard to get back, 776 00:40:37,200 --> 00:40:39,920 Speaker 2: other things tend to fall apart. For me, it was 777 00:40:39,960 --> 00:40:42,680 Speaker 2: my calf. I had a couple of injuries or concerns 778 00:40:42,680 --> 00:40:46,400 Speaker 2: around that the preliminary final and then to carry that 779 00:40:46,440 --> 00:40:49,520 Speaker 2: into the Grand Final. You know, we thought we'd have 780 00:40:50,160 --> 00:40:51,840 Speaker 2: a good run there and get through the game, but 781 00:40:52,840 --> 00:40:56,880 Speaker 2: unfortunately picked up a torn calf from the Grand Final, 782 00:40:56,920 --> 00:40:59,880 Speaker 2: so I had to sit on the sidelines and you know, 783 00:41:00,040 --> 00:41:01,400 Speaker 2: try and ride the boys home. 784 00:41:01,520 --> 00:41:03,560 Speaker 1: With What was he like sitting on the sidelines as 785 00:41:03,600 --> 00:41:05,919 Speaker 1: their captain. Were you chomping at the bit to get 786 00:41:05,920 --> 00:41:06,399 Speaker 1: back on. 787 00:41:08,000 --> 00:41:10,319 Speaker 2: Yeah, I was. I knew I knew I couldn't get 788 00:41:10,320 --> 00:41:13,680 Speaker 2: back on. I could hardly walk, so I would have 789 00:41:13,680 --> 00:41:16,560 Speaker 2: been no good to the team. But yeah, just trying 790 00:41:16,600 --> 00:41:20,279 Speaker 2: to keep everyone on the bench upbeat. You know, there's 791 00:41:20,280 --> 00:41:22,680 Speaker 2: a lot of messages going down from the box upstairs, 792 00:41:22,719 --> 00:41:25,720 Speaker 2: and you're still try and have an involvement in the game. 793 00:41:26,760 --> 00:41:29,000 Speaker 2: You know, we had a couple of head injury with 794 00:41:29,120 --> 00:41:31,759 Speaker 2: Benny Hunt getting knocked out there, who's you know, our 795 00:41:31,800 --> 00:41:34,040 Speaker 2: five eights, so he went into my role. He got 796 00:41:34,160 --> 00:41:36,719 Speaker 2: knocked out, he come off, so we had players out 797 00:41:36,719 --> 00:41:39,160 Speaker 2: of position, We had our winger go off. You're trying 798 00:41:39,160 --> 00:41:42,320 Speaker 2: to toss up ideas to them to keep things moving. 799 00:41:42,400 --> 00:41:45,960 Speaker 2: But yeah, ultimately at the end of the day. It's 800 00:41:46,040 --> 00:41:48,440 Speaker 2: it's pretty helpless there on the sideline sitting there watching 801 00:41:48,440 --> 00:41:52,200 Speaker 2: the boys, but the fight that they showed, the camaraderie 802 00:41:52,239 --> 00:41:54,799 Speaker 2: in the end was quite special and you know, a 803 00:41:54,840 --> 00:41:56,879 Speaker 2: proud moment for me sitting on the sideline and seeing 804 00:41:56,920 --> 00:41:59,920 Speaker 2: your teammates finish the job and get it done and 805 00:42:00,800 --> 00:42:02,600 Speaker 2: to lift that trophy at the end of the day 806 00:42:02,800 --> 00:42:07,120 Speaker 2: was so special. It's a club built on success, it's 807 00:42:07,280 --> 00:42:10,759 Speaker 2: you know, so the foundations there are unbelievable and it's 808 00:42:10,800 --> 00:42:12,960 Speaker 2: been nine eight long years since we've done it. So 809 00:42:13,800 --> 00:42:16,359 Speaker 2: it was a great moment for the club. You know, 810 00:42:16,520 --> 00:42:19,759 Speaker 2: it deserved that. The town's been fantastic, not only to 811 00:42:19,880 --> 00:42:23,600 Speaker 2: myself but the team for so long. They're so passionate 812 00:42:23,680 --> 00:42:26,759 Speaker 2: up here in Queensland. And yeah, it was a great 813 00:42:26,760 --> 00:42:28,920 Speaker 2: feeling obviously bringing that trophy back on the bridge. 814 00:42:29,360 --> 00:42:32,000 Speaker 1: Congratulations on your win, mate, But you know we talk 815 00:42:32,080 --> 00:42:36,200 Speaker 1: about wins, wins and wins. You were naming Sports Dad 816 00:42:36,200 --> 00:42:39,160 Speaker 1: of the Year in twenty twenty. What does it feel 817 00:42:39,200 --> 00:42:42,160 Speaker 1: like being a dad and and and showing the way 818 00:42:42,280 --> 00:42:45,800 Speaker 1: because that's what we do as dad's, as parents in general. 819 00:42:45,880 --> 00:42:49,640 Speaker 1: You know, kids don't learn from what they necessarily hear 820 00:42:49,840 --> 00:42:51,920 Speaker 1: they learn from what they see from a young age. 821 00:42:52,880 --> 00:42:55,160 Speaker 3: What was it like? How important is it being a dad? 822 00:42:55,840 --> 00:42:58,640 Speaker 2: Extremely important. It's my proudest moment in my life. I 823 00:42:58,640 --> 00:43:02,400 Speaker 2: think being a father four young kids that a pretty 824 00:43:02,400 --> 00:43:06,200 Speaker 2: young age too. I always wanted kids young and been 825 00:43:06,280 --> 00:43:10,120 Speaker 2: my partner. Have been together since high school, so a 826 00:43:10,160 --> 00:43:12,439 Speaker 2: lot of years, a lot of water under the bridge there, 827 00:43:12,480 --> 00:43:16,239 Speaker 2: but no, it's just a proud moment for me. I 828 00:43:17,400 --> 00:43:20,560 Speaker 2: loved the journey. I been a son to my father, 829 00:43:20,640 --> 00:43:24,160 Speaker 2: and obviously the moments that we had through my childhood 830 00:43:24,320 --> 00:43:26,200 Speaker 2: is something that stands out, you know, going down the park, 831 00:43:26,280 --> 00:43:30,160 Speaker 2: kicking the ball, running around, we're a brother and all 832 00:43:30,160 --> 00:43:33,040 Speaker 2: those sort of things. So to be a young father 833 00:43:33,120 --> 00:43:37,400 Speaker 2: and replicate those moments with my children what it's all about, 834 00:43:37,440 --> 00:43:40,560 Speaker 2: and to give them an upbringing that is better than 835 00:43:40,600 --> 00:43:43,640 Speaker 2: what I had was the dream and the motivation behind, 836 00:43:44,440 --> 00:43:48,520 Speaker 2: you know, trying to be successful as an athlete. So yeah, 837 00:43:48,760 --> 00:43:52,360 Speaker 2: my pride. Enjoy the kids, but they're pains from the 838 00:43:52,400 --> 00:43:52,960 Speaker 2: time to time. 839 00:43:53,000 --> 00:43:55,719 Speaker 3: But keep me not keep you on your toes mate, 840 00:43:55,760 --> 00:43:58,360 Speaker 3: listens I can. I've got five kids myself. 841 00:43:58,360 --> 00:44:00,960 Speaker 1: From the ages of nine twenty three, so I know 842 00:44:01,000 --> 00:44:03,080 Speaker 1: what it's like mate, and again the purpose to drive 843 00:44:03,120 --> 00:44:05,080 Speaker 1: that they give me is is. 844 00:44:05,040 --> 00:44:06,759 Speaker 3: You know, is unrivaled. 845 00:44:07,239 --> 00:44:07,479 Speaker 1: Mate. 846 00:44:07,560 --> 00:44:10,440 Speaker 3: Let's finish off with your book. You're now an author. 847 00:44:11,120 --> 00:44:13,880 Speaker 3: What motivated you to write the book? And what's that? 848 00:44:14,000 --> 00:44:14,960 Speaker 3: What's it about? Briefly? 849 00:44:15,080 --> 00:44:17,040 Speaker 1: Obviously I want people to pick it up and read it. 850 00:44:18,360 --> 00:44:21,799 Speaker 1: But where, Yeah, how did that come about? And what's 851 00:44:21,800 --> 00:44:22,160 Speaker 1: it called? 852 00:44:22,719 --> 00:44:25,520 Speaker 2: Yeah, it's called on my own terms, So just a 853 00:44:25,520 --> 00:44:30,840 Speaker 2: bit about my life from humble beginnings Redfern. You know, 854 00:44:30,880 --> 00:44:33,839 Speaker 2: there's a lot of kids that are less fortunate, who 855 00:44:33,840 --> 00:44:36,000 Speaker 2: have been through worse. But for me, if I can 856 00:44:36,040 --> 00:44:39,960 Speaker 2: relate to you any of those people and help them out, 857 00:44:40,040 --> 00:44:43,240 Speaker 2: I mean, that's that's job done. It goes through my 858 00:44:43,239 --> 00:44:47,560 Speaker 2: my career, through some moments that we touched on, some 859 00:44:47,640 --> 00:44:50,120 Speaker 2: personal battles that I had along the way as well. 860 00:44:50,560 --> 00:44:53,439 Speaker 2: Hasn't been all diamonds, has been rocks in there as well. 861 00:44:53,520 --> 00:44:59,280 Speaker 2: So yeah, it's all about you know, my life, experiencing 862 00:44:59,320 --> 00:45:02,879 Speaker 2: the highs and the low and fucking you know, help 863 00:45:02,960 --> 00:45:06,359 Speaker 2: someone out there through you know, some words. That's that's 864 00:45:06,480 --> 00:45:10,440 Speaker 2: job done. So trying to make an impact and make 865 00:45:10,440 --> 00:45:13,360 Speaker 2: the world a better place. But I know it's just 866 00:45:13,480 --> 00:45:15,120 Speaker 2: the small fish in a big pond. 867 00:45:15,239 --> 00:45:19,320 Speaker 3: So yeah, Adam, been an absolute pleasure buddy. 868 00:45:19,719 --> 00:45:22,959 Speaker 1: Rest of luck with your the recovery from your injury, mate, 869 00:45:23,600 --> 00:45:25,200 Speaker 1: and another year left. 870 00:45:25,360 --> 00:45:27,960 Speaker 2: One year left, mate. 871 00:45:27,960 --> 00:45:32,080 Speaker 3: There you go mate, the love that Adam. Cheers, buddy, 872 00:45:32,160 --> 00:45:33,520 Speaker 3: Thank you, thank you, cheers. 873 00:45:33,520 --> 00:45:34,200 Speaker 2: My appreciate it. 874 00:45:35,000 --> 00:45:39,560 Speaker 1: Adam's book on my own terms is available now. I'll 875 00:45:39,560 --> 00:45:42,839 Speaker 1: put the details in the show notes. Thanks for joining 876 00:45:42,920 --> 00:45:46,120 Speaker 1: me on this episode of head Game. If you enjoyed 877 00:45:46,120 --> 00:45:48,880 Speaker 1: this episode, please share it with a friend. 878 00:45:49,600 --> 00:45:52,360 Speaker 3: I'm at Middleton. See you again next time.