As the curtain falls on another thrilling NRL season, the spotlight at Accor Stadium this Sunday will not only be on crowning the next champion but also on bidding farewell to a host of seasoned players. These athletes, who have graced the field with their prowess, are now setting their sights on new horizons beyond rugby league.
This wave of retirements marks the end of an era for many, but it also heralds the beginning of exciting new chapters in their lives. From media and coaching to real estate and mental health advocacy, these former stars are poised to make significant impacts off the field.
Chad Townsend: A Media Maven in the Making
Chad Townsend, a stalwart of the NRL with a career spanning from 2011 to 2025, leaves behind a legacy of 268 games and a premiership win with the Sharks in 2016. Townsend, who concluded his career with the Sydney Roosters, is now eyeing a future in media.
With a robust YouTube presence boasting over 47,000 subscribers, Townsend is eager to dive deeper into content creation. “I love TV and radio and want to pursue that as hard as I can,” he shared on his channel. However, his ambitions don’t stop there. Townsend is also considering a role in coaching, inspired by his recent experiences mentoring young players at the Roosters.
Kieran Foran: From Field to Mental Health Advocacy
Kieran Foran, another veteran with a storied career, is also transitioning into media and coaching. With 318 games and a premiership with Manly in 2011 under his belt, Foran has already dipped his toes into media, expressing a passion for discussing the game he loves.
Foran’s future plans extend into mental health advocacy, an area he is deeply passionate about. Recently awarded the Ken Stephen Medal for community work, Foran aims to use his platform to support young athletes facing mental health challenges. “I want to help young guys not feel alone and vulnerable,” he emphasized.
Shaun Lane and Tohu Harris: New Paths in Wellness and Real Estate
Shaun Lane, known for his time with the Parramatta Eels, is leveraging his academic background in psychology to support athlete wellness. His role in the Elite Pathways and NRLW programs focuses on mental skills, a testament to his commitment to nurturing young talent.
Meanwhile, Tohu Harris, a former Warriors lock forward, is venturing into real estate alongside his wife. “It takes a lot of discipline and consistency, much like sport,” Harris remarked, drawing parallels between his new career and his time on the field.
Kenny Bromwich: Building a Future in Carpentry
Kenny Bromwich, with two premierships to his name, is swapping the rugby field for a carpentry apprenticeship. Alongside his brother Jesse, Bromwich is completing his training and plans to join their uncle in the profession. “Everything I’ve done has been with him,” Bromwich shared, highlighting the strong familial ties that continue to guide his journey.
Justin Olam and Others: Diverse Ventures and Community Impact
Justin Olam, celebrated for his contributions to the Melbourne Storm and the Wests Tigers, is returning to Papua New Guinea in an ambassadorial role. With a PNG team set to join the NRL in 2028, Olam’s involvement in grassroots development is crucial for the sport’s growth in his homeland.
Mark Nicholls, Christian Welch, Jordan McLean, Tom Eisenhuth, and Michael Chee Kam are also embarking on varied post-retirement paths. From ambassador roles and business aspirations to focusing on family and community engagement, these players are redefining their identities beyond rugby league.
The transition from professional sports to new careers is a significant shift, but these retiring NRL stars are embracing the change with enthusiasm and purpose. As they hang up their boots, they carry forward the lessons and experiences from their playing days into their new ventures, continuing to inspire both on and off the field.
