Posted by RLPA
Career Development: Blake Green
The Rugby League Players’ Association (RLPA) has launched a new content series promoting career development opportunities for players and the importance of planning for life after footy.
The Career Development Q&A will each week feature a player who has engaged in meaningful development opportunities away from the field, providing an insight for other players and the industry about their journey.
The content series also highlights academic achievements from within the playing group, many of which have utilised the support available through the NRL-RLPA Wellbeing and Education program.
Part 6 of the Career Development Q&A features New Zealand Warriors player and Player Advisory Group member, Blake Green.
Q1 What off field development are you completing or have completed?
I’m currently doing a Diploma of Business. I completed Diploma of Financial Planning and all my coaching levels. I also completed a leadership and negotiation course at Harvard Business School.
Q2 Why did you choose this field?
I’m pretty keen on being involved in a footy club in some capacity. At this stage I would like to coach as I have a passion for the game and to pass on all the knowledge I have learnt. But I thought it was important to complete a level of study in business in case the opportunity arose to go into more of administration role dealing with salary caps and recruitment.
Q3 Did you always have this career path in mind?
Not really. I initially went to Sydney University and studied human movement with Bachelor of Education part time for three years to become a PE teacher.
Q4 Have you utilised any support available to players through the NRL-RLPA Wellbeing and Education program?
Yes. I’m in contact with our wellbeing and education officer all the time. Mapping out career plans. He also chases up new courses for me, re-enrols each semester and looks at opportunities that are time efficient.
Q5 If you could give yourself one piece of career advice back in your rookie year what would it be?
Probably try and do a work placement first. Have a taste for what field of work you enjoy before you start a course. Otherwise once you complete the course and turn up in that workplace you might realise it is not for you.
Q6 How important is it for players and the industry to prioritise career development opportunities?
Massive. Players only have a short life span in the NRL. Your career post-footy lasts so much longer and I think finding something your passionate about will better help dealing with transition.
Q7 How have the skills you have developed through playing NRL helped with your educational development?
It has helped a lot. We live a structured life so sticking to a routine and time schedules is a strength when completing studies.
Q8 How important is having the support of your coach and football staff when pursuing education options?
It allows you the flexibility to attend workshops or classes around your training.
Q9 Was there a time you felt like giving up on your studies and if so, what helped you keep going?
Plenty of times. But I realised that learning is something that continues your entire life. Each day we try and learn ways to get better on the footy field, so I try to apply that same theory off it.
Stay tuned for next week’s Career Development Q&A with another member of the RLPA Player Advisory Group!
