Wiliame: The importance of planning for retirement

In our series ‘Retired Rookies’, we catch up with some of the retiring Class of 2023 to look into what they have been doing in the first year post career. Brayden Wiliame shared his retirement experience, his relationship with the RLPA’s Past Player & Transition Program, and some of his goals for the future.

What did Brayden Wiliame do in the first year of his retirement from elite rugby league?

“My first year of retirement I transitioned into a dual coaching and wellbeing role with the New Zealand Warriors’ NSW Cup team.”

What did you find most difficult about retiring?

“Obviously financially you take a big hit when you retire.

“So navigating that and also the family dynamic with my wife  having to enter the work force was a big change.”

What do you wish you knew about retirement that you didn’t know when you were playing?

“I realised quickly the importance of planning for retirement when that day comes.

“I was lucky to have planned enough and created some good relationships at the Warriors which lead to being offered a role at the club that suited my skill sets.”

How is the RLPA’s Past Player & Transition Program helping you in your transition and retirement?

“My time working with Player Transition Manager Joe Galuvao since retiring has been awesome.

“Joe has offered me great advice and used his resources to support my transition from playing into a successful next chapter.”

What are your career and life goals for the next few years?

“I was lucky to fall into coaching at the Warriors and fell in love with it.

So, with my wellbeing background and now developing my coaching skills I hope to continue my apprenticeship here at the Warriors and see where our great game takes me.”

Who is a player that is doing well in retirement that really inspires or motivates you and what are they up to?

“Sam Moa and Slade Griffin have been huge inspirations for me since retiring.

“Both Sam and Slade played big parts in my playing career at different stages and are now both assistant coaches in the NRL (at the Parramatta Eels and NZ Warriors).

“Having them to lean on for advice and support  has been great for my development. It’s a bonus that Slade and I are both at the same club, so I get the opportunity to shadow him everyday at work.”