Five Manly Warringah Sea Eagles players received a personal insight into life on and off the field at the annual NRL Rookie Camp in Baulkham Hills last weekend.
Sione Fainu, Abbas Miski, Ben Trbojevic, Alec Tuitavake, and Josh Schuster attended the two-day event, accompanied by Sea Eagles staff Glenn Moore, Kristie Fulton and Blacktown Workers Wellbeing Officer, Sonia Dorsett.
Designed for rising NRL players, the camp featured workshops on topics such as resilience; career engagement; media training; financial management; reputation and responsibility; social media; cultural awareness; alcohol and your choices.
There also was a Theatre Sports scenario based presentation led by former Sea Eagle, Ian Roberts.
The fast-paced ‘Resilience Project’ talk was a favourite among the Manly players.
“The presenter encouraged us to get comfortable with adversity, to accept that we can’t control everything that happens but it’s how we respond that matters,” Schuster said.
“The stories he shared really hit home especially about kids who had major setbacks but didn’t give up and stayed positive.
"It’s important to be grateful for the opportunities we have and approach everything with a positive mindset”.
Equally, learning about personal finances was a valuable lesson for the young men, with former NRL player Ben Creagh - now a Financial Wellbeing Advisor - breaking down the basics of income and budgeting with the group.
“It was an eye opener that’s for sure,” Trbojevic said.
"I’ve now got a better idea on what I need to do to manage that part of my life”.
Sea Eagles Wellbeing and Careers Coach Glenn Moore said the players took away several key insights from the camp.
“It was great to have plenty of former NRL players being really authentic in giving back to the game by educating the young players,'' Moore said.
“To hear them speak about the importance of being a good person, the value of education, having an identity outside of rugby league, of being responsible for the reputation of the game, and the responsibility we have to our ourselves, our families, our clubs, fans and sponsors.
"It aligns with the messages Des Hasler and his staff drive daily to players at every level of our club.
“The importance of gratitude, being humble and kind and not wasting the opportunity you have been given was certainly not lost on our players.
