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The Players' Perspective
Shaun Kenny-Dowall: Overcoming demons, finding your identity, and much more
In this debut episode, the RLPA's Keegan Hipgrave catches up with former NRL star Shaun Kenny-Dowall while in Hull, England where Shaun is a coach with Hull KR. They discuss SKD's transition into retirement and coaching, finding your identity after and away from rugby league, and how he's seen the game change since his debut as a 19 year old.
In this episode:
00:00 – Catch-up and RLPA in the UK
01:13 – Hull KR this season
01:42 – SKD's upbringing and moving to Australia to play rugby league
08:13 – SKD's career highlight
09:00 – Who SKD looked up to
11:42 – How the RLPA has changed over the course of SKD's career
13:57 – Football identity and managing life outside of the game
16:29 – Adjusting to playing in the UK
18:26 – Finding connections overseas
19:53 – Player association presence in the UK
20:48 – RLPA in the UK: the Past Player and Transition Program
22:16 – Playing for Hull KR and transitioning into coaching
28:35 – Future plans
29:01 – Fatherhood
30:46 – Support from the Keegan and Tommy
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2. Sam Thaiday: Talkers, walkers, and superheroes
58:10||Season 1, Ep. 2Brisbane Broncos and Queensland Maroons legend Sam Thaiday joins the Rugby League Players Association's Keegan Hipgrave for the latest instalment of The Players' Perspective.Sam opens up about his upbringing with some unique experiences, as well as some of his favourite moments in his career as well as his advice for players who are retiring.01:00 – Growing Up & Family06:30 – Journey into the NRL14:56 – NRL Role Models17:13 – Relationship with Wayne Bennett21:13 – Question from Corey Oates pt. 1 – 2013 World Cup Tour25:24 – Question from Corey Oates pt. 2 – Best part of playing Rugby League/ Favourite Winger30:17 – Question from Jharal Yow Yeh – How was your transition away from the game?34:56 – Guiding others through transition40:18 – Making the most of opportunities42:06 – How the RLPA has changed over time44:37 – The importance of staying connected49:54 – Retirement: Grand Final Weekend54:13 – Best advice to pass on to anyone coming out of the game