Two years after his stellar career was cut short by a shoulder injury, Matt Gillett has become the latest Broncos great to join the club’s Game Development team.
Gillett, who played 200 games for the Broncos between 2010-19 as well as 12 Tests and 20 Origins, will pass on his knowledge to thousands of youngsters across central Brisbane.
“I can’t thank the Broncos and The Broncos Club enough for this exciting opportunity and it is something that I am ready to attack with the same level of enthusiasm that I did when I played for the club,” said Gillett.
The 33-year-old joins the likes of four-time premiership winner Michael Hancock, former Blues and Kangaroos winger Michael De Vere and 2015 grand final centre Jack Reed on the Broncos’ game development staff.
Gillett: You get to put smiles on kids' faces
“The Brisbane Broncos have the most extensive Game Development program in the NRL and this could not be achieved with-out our many wonderful Game Development partners, and this new partnership with The Broncos Club is something that will benefit this entire region and the local community should be really excited about,” said Broncos game development manager Paul Dyer.
“The Broncos view this relationship as an opportunity to not only develop rugby league in this area, but to use our sport as a vehicle to develop good young men and women.
“Very few players will get the opportunity to make a living professionally from rugby league, so it is paramount that we use the children’s love of our game and our club to drive changes to their attitude and behaviour for the good of local communities.”
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Gillett was part of five State of Origin series wins with the Maroons and boasted a perfect 12 wins from 12 Tests for Australia, including the 2017 World Cup final success at Suncorp Stadium.
The former Bribie Island Warrigal was crowned Dally M second-rower of the year in 2016 and 2017, and Dally M rookie of the year in 2010, scoring 12 tries in 21 games in his rookie season.
“We could not be happier with having Matt Gillett lead this program for our club,” said Broncos Club CEO Joe Kelly.
“Matt is an outstanding young man and a fantastic role model to the thousands of young children he will now interact with though our program.”
Gillett becomes the ninth member of the Broncos game development team and he will be based at the Broncos Leagues Club, co-ordinating school and junior club-based rugby league and life skills programs.