Jamayne Taunoa-Brown: Retirement can come faster than you think

In our series ‘Retired Rookies’, we catch up with some of the retiring Class of 2024 to look into what they have been doing in the first year post career. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown reflects on the identity shift that comes with stepping away from the game, how he’s found purpose through music, business and reconnecting with culture and family, and the role the RLPA’s Past Player & Transition Program has played in supporting his transition as he continues to build his life beyond football.

What did Jamayne Taunoa-Brown do in the first year of his retirement from elite rugby league?

“I jumped straight into my music career, opening a music studio and launching a small clothing brand called Nineside Co. I also got involved in youth mentoring and spent time travelling, and reconnecting with culture and family.

All of that helped me rebuild a sense of purpose outside of football and reminded me of who I am beyond the game.”

What did Jamayne Taunoa-Brown find most difficult about retiring?

“The hardest part about retiring for me was working through the identity shift and figuring out who I was without rugby league being at the centre of everything.

Not being around the team environment every day definitely left a gap, and losing the routine and structure was a big challenge also, and took some time to adjust to.”

What does Jamayne Taunoa-Brown wish he knew about retirement that he didn’t know when he was playing?

“I wish I understood earlier how important it is to plan properly for life after footy.

When you’re playing, it feels like you have plenty of time, but retirement can come around faster than you think. I also didn’t realise just how much of my identity was tied to the routine, structure, environment, and brotherhood of the game, and how different life feels when all of that suddenly changes.”

How is the RLPA’s Past Player & Transition Program helping Jamayne Taunoa-Brown in his transition and retirement?

“The Program has given me solid guidance and support since I finished playing, especially through hearing the experiences of other past players who’ve gone through the same transition.

There are some great opportunities and resources available, and they’ve definitely helped make the shift into post-footy life a lot smoother. It also gives me confidence knowing there’s always someone I can reach out to if I ever need support.”

Jamayne Taunoa-Brown with RLPA’s Dale Finucane

What are Jamayne Taunoa-Brown’s career and life goals for the next few years?

“I’m focused on growing my music career and establishing myself properly in that space, while continuing to build up my small businesses and creative projects.

Travelling is a big goal of mine too, I want to see as much of the world as possible. And at some point, I’d love to give back to the game and stay connected in whatever way I can.”

Who is a former player that is doing well in retirement who really inspires you?

“A player who really inspires me in retirement is Keegan Hipgrave. He’s doing some awesome things with his podcast and the content he’s creating.

He was also my main point of contact at the RLPA when I finished up, and his support made my transition a lot smoother. Seeing how he’s carved out his own path motivates me to keep building mine.”