About Me
The Dream
I grew up on a council estate in Oldham, a rugby ball tucked under my arm in my grandad's flat, dreaming of the top. Despite external scrutiny which brought self doubt, I went on to play over 400 games of professional rugby league at the highest level, captaining sides, coaching and dedicating everything I had to winning. Those trophies I dreamed about as a kid, I went and won them. I built a career most people told me I'd never have. I never let opinions define me.
The Story
My childhood had its challenges, adverse childhood experiences and trauma played their part, a prime candidate for attachment theory. The learned behaviours, the emotional patterns, the invisible weight that can follow you from childhood into everything you do as an adult. But my upbringing also gave me strength, character and a hunger to prove what was possible. I made a choice to understand those experiences rather than be defined by them. That choice didn't come easily, my story also includes bereavement, prescription drug addiction, social media abuse and more setbacks on and off the field than most people see in a lifetime. I made mistakes. I fell apart more than once. The drive that took me to the top of my sport also cost me. But every single time, I found a way back reinventing myself, rebuilding from the ground up and coming out the other side with something more valuable than any trophy..
The Reason
I believe I went through everything I did for a reason. There is a gap in society people at every stage of life struggling without access to the right support, the right guidance, or someone who genuinely understands where they are, a positive role mode, someone to inspire individuals and teamsl. I'm here to fill that gap. When we truly understand ourselves our patterns, our triggers, our strengths, we stop surviving and start thriving. I share my story not to impress, but to connect. Because somewhere in it, there is something you will recognise in yourself. If my journey can help you make sense of yours and give you the courage to write your own story on your own terms that is the whole point. That is the reason.