Rhys Kennedy: There’s a whole new world once you retire

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. Rhys Kennedy reflects on the adjustment to life after full-time football, sharing how he’s shifted his focus toward career development, family and personal growth. He also speaks about the importance of future planning, and the role the RLPA’s Past Player & Transition Program has played in supporting him as he navigates this next chapter beyond the game.

What did Rhys Kennedy do in the first year of his retirement from elite rugby league?

“It’s been exactly one year since starting my new business providing Exercise Physiology (EP) services, which has been incredibly rewarding.

I’ve since merged under the name Tryumph Academy, partnering with David Shillington to expand what we offer. Together, we’re working toward going beyond traditional EP services and building programs in the disability and workers’ compensation spaces.”

What did Rhys Kennedy find most difficult about retiring?

“Initially, the hardest part was adjusting to the physical demand of being on my feet all day and not having the usual breaks where I could mentally switch off.

In footy, you naturally get downtime between sessions and training days, but that disappeared pretty quickly. Finding time to prioritise my own health has been tough too, but I now schedule my own training sessions around my clients, which has definitely helped.”

What does Rhys Kennedy wish he knew about retirement that he didn’t know when he was playing?

“I wish I’d realised earlier just how many opportunities exist outside of rugby league.

There’s a whole new world out there once you step away from the game, and it’s much bigger and more diverse than you expect.”

How is the RLPA’s Past Player & Transition Program helping Rhys Kennedy in his transition and retirement?

“Tom Symonds and Joe Galuvao have been great at keeping in touch and checking in, always giving me options for extra courses or professional development.

I was fortunate to access the education grants while I was still playing, and they’ve made a massive difference in helping me build a pathway beyond footy. We also get regular updates on RLPA benefits, and I’ve recently taken up the discounted health insurance, which has been another big help from the Program.”

Rhys Kennedy with RLPA’s Joe Galuvao

What are Rhys Kennedy’s career and life goals for the next few years?

“My plan is to grow the business steadily and bring on more staff so we can expand the programs and services we offer. I’m also aiming to set up a long-term base in Wollongong and put down roots there.

After moving from club to club throughout my playing career, finding stability for myself and my family is something that’s really important to me now.”

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

“Both David Shillington and Ryan James have had a massive influence on me since stepping away from the game.

Shillo, through his bussines, Adjacency, has been a mentor from the start, and we’ve teamed up on several projects that have pushed me in all the right ways. Being involved in his programs this year has helped my mental health, challenged me professionally, and given me the chance to build new skills under his guidance.”