It’s been just over a year since Dale Copley brought down the curtain on his playing career.
In our reboot of the ‘Retired Rookies‘ series, we’re catching up with players from the 2021 retiring class who have just finished their first year off the field.
What have they been up to? And, what we can learn from their transition journeys? Check out Dale has been up to:
WHAT DID YOU DO IN YOUR FIRST YEAR OF RETIREMENT?
“My first year of retirement was quite easily the busiest of my life. In addition to beginning my first ‘real world’ employment in a law firm, I finished my law degree, welcome my second daughter, completed my graduate diploma of practical legal training and got admitted to the legal profession.”
WHAT DID YOU FIND MOST DIFFICULT ABOUT RETIRING FROM THE NRL?
“The hardest thing for me is no longer being on the roller coaster of emotions based on the weekend’s result. Those highs spent with your teammates after a win are unmatched so far.”
WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU KNEW ABOUT TRANSITIONING THAT YOU DIDN’T KNOW WHEN YOU WERE PLAYING?
“For me I just wished I had prepared more for the job search and interview process. I think I prepared well in terms of having my study behind me but I did not pay enough attention to simple things such as a good CV, how to write a cover letter and interview techniques.”
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL A YOUNG PLAYER ABOUT TRANSITIONING & RETIREMENT?
“Start planning now. It’s never too late. Even if you have no idea what you want to do with the rest of your life just try something. At least then you’ll be able to cross a particular career off the list.”
WHAT IS AN AREA OF GROWTH FOR THE GAME IN REGARD TO PLAYER TRANSITION?
“I think the game can further promote work experience. The game does an incredible job promoting education and training and I think the next step is to introduce players to the vast network that rugby league clubs have to link players with prospective employers.”
HOW DID THE RLPA AND THE WELLBEING & EDUCATION PROGRAM HELP YOU TRANSITION?
“The RLPA and Wellbeing & Education program began helping me a long way before I retired and that was the crucial element for me. Due to the time commitments placed on professional athletes any study takes a lot longer so preparation and starting to prepare for transition early is key.”
