This episode feature 3 young superstars from the Canberra Raiders. A current Kiwi International: Bailey Simonsson, a ‘future QLD Maroons’: Corey Horsburgh and 
a NSW Cup/first-grade player: Tom Starling.

We’ve all heard the stereotype about the young millennial NRL player – makes first grade, upgrades his contract handsomely then spends all his spare time playing Call of Duty. And hey, sometimes where there’s smoke, there’s fire. But, as often is the case, for every stereotype, there are plenty more antitheses; quietly working away and doing the opposite of what many think of them.

Despite all 3 players being at different levels within the NRL, they all share the same belief of setting themselves up outside Rugby League through education. It could have been tempting for Bailey to turn his back on studying after going overseas with the New Zealand team at the end of last year and think that he had ‘made it’ in Rugby League. But they are aware of the ‘bigger picture’ that a Rugby League career is short. The trio have been studying their Certificate III and IV in Fitness with One Wellbeing. While all 3 boys admitted they “didn’t really engage in the classroom” and only stayed at school to hang with mates and play footy, those past experiences with education haven’t stopped them from embracing learning a few years out of school. “Like Tommy, I wish I had tried a bit more at school’ Corey says cheekily, “I really encourage those boys in school now to sit down and learn….by the time you get to my age it’s already done….if you love footy you’ve got plenty of time for that”.