The Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) is proud to announce that Premiership-winner and State of Origin hero Chris McQueen has joined our Past Player & Transition Program team, to strengthen the Program’s support for past players and those in transition.
Also joining the Past Player & Transition Program team on a part-time basis are Dale Finucane, Chris Houston and Anthony Gelling. That trio will help the Program better serve past players and those in transition who live in a larger range of cities and regions across Australia and New Zealand, enabling more connection and face-to-face support.
“We are really excited to welcome Chris McQueen to the Past Player & Transition Program as a full-time staff member,” said Tom Symonds, the RLPA’s General Manager of Past Players and Transition.
“Chris is a passionate advocate for player transition and brings strong relationships from his long and successful career in Australia and the UK. Since retirement, Chris has been involved in the Program as a past player and has seen first-hand the value it provides to past players like him and many others who have had diverse and varied experiences.
“I am also excited to welcome Dale, Chris, and Anthony to the team part-time to help support the Program in regional areas. Anthony is based in Auckland and is going to do an amazing job as a dedicated and more available contact for past players based across the Tasman, and to assist those in transition.
“Dale was one of the RLPA’s strongest leaders as a player and played an integral role in advocating for the Past Player & Transition Program and ensuring it was included in the most recent CBA. He’ll support players in regional NSW as well as Melbourne and Canberra, while Chris will have a focus on the Central Coast and Hunter regions of NSW.
“All four are incredible additions and we are proud and lucky to have them working alongside us to help provide world-leading support to people in the Past Player and Transition Program.”
New Staff in the Past Player & Transition Program
Chris McQueen
A passionate advocate for player transition, Chris brings strong relationships from his long and successful career in Australia and the UK and is working full-time in the Past Player & Transition Program. He has been actively engaged in the Program since retirement, including a long-time member of our ever-improving Nines Premier League team The Mighty Fossils.
Chris had a long and successful 15-season elite career at the South Sydney Rabbitohs (where he won a Premiership), Gold Coast Titans, Wests Tigers, and Huddersfield Giants. Chris also famously represented Queensland, as well as England.
“I love helping people, it’s something I have always been passionate about. So, when Tom Symonds offered me the opportunity to join the team I jumped at the chance,” said Chris McQueen.
“I can’t wait to do everything I can to help make the transition from rugby league to life after footy after as easy as possible. I am looking forward to making connections with the past players.”
Dale Finucane
A long-time advocate for players’ best interests, Dale is committed to education, personal development, and supporting teammates through transition. Dale will be working part-time in the Past Player & Transition Program.
Dale’s career spanned 13 years where he played for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Melbourne Storm (winning two Premierships), and recently finished up at the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks. Dale also played five times for NSW.
“I’m really excited to join the RLPA team as a Player Transition Manager,” said Dale Finucane.
“The Program has been so supportive of me over the last 12 months, and I am really looking forward to supporting our current crop of retirees and helping them in life after football.”
Chris Houston
CEO and founder of In Minds Training, Chris is well-regarded for his work in wellbeing education and mental health training. He has already been supporting past players informally and we are thrilled to have him officially join the team. Chris will be working part-time in the Past Player & Transition Program.
‘Howzo’, as we love to call him, started his career in 2007 at the St George Illawarra Dragons before a 160-game stint at the Newcastle Knights and then a number of years at Widnes Vikings in the UK. He joined The Mighty Fossils for their 2025 campaign, helping improve the side from its winless debut last year to the semi-finals this year.
“I was lucky enough to play 10 years in the NRL and the Super League and well aware of the highs and lows of the game and, ultimately retirement,” said Chris Houston.
“I feel like I was prepared for my transition, but it was still difficult. Thankfully now the RLPA has a fantastic Program put together to help our male and female players during that period. I am excited to start working for the RLPA and Program and keen to start developing relationships with those past players I will be working with.
Anthony Gelling
With experience supporting player wellbeing at the New Zealand Warriors and strong connections across Aotearoa and the UK, Anthony brings valuable expertise and energy to the group. Anthony will be working part-time in the Past Player & Transition Program.
Anthony was a cult hero in the Super League where he played over 150 games for Wigan, Widnes, Warrington and Leigh. He also had a stint with the New Zealand Warriors in the NRL.
“The rumours are true, I have signed with the RLPA and the ink is still wet on the contract,” said Anthony Gelling.
“For the last few years, I have been making that transition from full-time rugby league player to that next chapter of life. That is partly why I am here, because I want to share that experience and the RLPA has loads of ways they can support past players.”
Past Player & Transition Program Team
Tom Symonds – GM of Past Players and Transition
Joe Galuvao
Morgan Te Oka
Chris McQueen
Chris Houston (part-time)
Anthony Gelling (part-time)
Dale Finucane (part-time)
