Athlete's Journey: Winning On & Off The Field

New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George joins Athlete's Journey for an inside look at the journey behind one of rugby league’s most recognisable clubs.

Cameron reflects on leading the Warriors through the extraordinary challenges of COVID, including the difficult decision to reduce salaries to $500 a week in an effort to protect jobs and keep the club financially sustainable.

He also reveals how the Warriors have transformed commercially since returning home, growing from owning virtually no assets in 2022 to holding millions of dollars worth of property and other assets today.

Cameron discusses the importance of creating a strong club culture, the powerful story behind the Warriors’ haka, the influence of James Fisher-Harris and Andrew Webster, and what it will take for the Warriors to compete for the ultimate prize.

A fascinating conversation about leadership, culture, resilience, financial decision-making and what it takes to build success both on and off the field.

New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George joins Athletes’ Journey: Winning On & Off The Field to reveal what it took to guide the club through one of the most challenging periods in its history — and how the Warriors have emerged stronger on and off the field.

Cameron opens up about the reality of COVID, including the decision to reduce staff salaries to just $500 a week to help protect jobs and keep the organisation alive. He also discusses the Warriors’ incredible commercial transformation, going from owning virtually no assets in 2022 to building a portfolio worth millions.

The conversation also explores the importance of culture and connection within the Warriors, the story behind the club performing its own haka, the influence of James Fisher-Harris and Andrew Webster, and why Cameron believes the Warriors are capable of taking the next step.

An inside look at leadership, resilience, culture, business and building a successful sporting organisation.

In this episode of Athlete's Journey: Winning on and Off the Field, Brent Read and Chris Lawrence sit down with former Carlton AFL player and current sports executive, Ian Prendergast.

Ian shares his remarkable transition from the AFL to becoming a qualified lawyer and leading the AFL and Rugby League Players Associations. 

We dive into:
The Early Days: Growing up in Karang and the sacrifice his family made to support his sporting dreams.
The Reality of Pro Sport: Earning just $12,000 as a rookie and the "force savings" of match payments.
Advocacy & Leadership: His instrumental role in negotiating the first revenue-sharing CBA for NRL players.
Life After the Game: Why he believes every athlete needs their own "Board of Directors" for a successful transition.
Financial Literacy: The importance of property investment and understanding the fundamentals of tax and super.
Ian also opens up about the mental hurdles of retirement and how he leveraged "transferable skills" to build a successful career in sports advisory.

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Subscribe for more episodes on the financial and personal journeys of Australia's sporting icons.

Introducing Athlete’s Journey – Winning On & Off The Field, a podcast exploring the financial journeys of Australia’s most influential sporting figures.

In Episode 14, host Brent Read and co-host Chris Lawrence are joined by former AIS and NCAA Division I basketballer and Athlete2Business founder and CEO Alex Opacic.

In this honest and insightful conversation, Alex reflects on earning a basketball scholarship in the United States, competing alongside Patty Mills, Joe Ingles and Aron Baynes, facing Steph Curry and continuing his professional career across Europe.

Alex opens up about the knee injury that brought his elite basketball ambitions to an unexpected end, the difficult loss of identity that followed and the challenge of beginning again at 25 years old.

The episode explores how Alex found a new competitive outlet in sales, transformed a side hustle into Athlete2Business and has since helped more than 500 athletes across Australia and the United States navigate their own transitions into life beyond sport.

Alex also discusses financial preparation, salary expectations, mentoring and why athletes should initially focus on learning, developing skills and building their professional network rather than expecting to immediately discover their next passion.

A must-listen for athletes, business leaders and anyone interested in resilience, career transition and creating a meaningful second chapter after professional sport.

Introducing Athlete’s Journey – Winning On & Off The Field, a podcast exploring the financial journeys of Australia’s most influential sporting figures.

In Episode 13, host Brent Read and co-host Chris Lawrence are joined by premiership-winning NRL halfback turned broadcaster and media identity Chad Townsend.

In this honest and insightful conversation, Chad reflects on his journey from growing up in the Shire and dreaming of representing Cronulla to playing 268 NRL games across four clubs and helping the Sharks secure their first premiership in 2016.

Beyond football, Chad shares how a $2,000 first contract, early saving habits and guidance from trusted mentors helped him purchase his first unit at just 20 years old. He discusses budgeting during his peak earning years, building a property portfolio and preparing financially for the day his NRL income would end.

The episode also explores Chad’s transition into radio, television, podcasting and business, and how developing skills and relationships while he was still playing helped him move confidently into life after professional sport.

A must-listen for athletes, fans and anyone interested in financial responsibility, career transition and building long-term success beyond the game.

Introducing Athlete’s Journey – Winning On & Off The Field, a podcast exploring the financial journeys of Australia’s most influential sporting figures.

In Episode 12, host Brent Read and co-host Chris Lawrence are joined by NRLW star and media personality Millie Elliott.

In this honest and inspiring conversation, Millie reflects on her journey from receiving her first $3,000 playing contract to becoming one of the most recognised figures in women’s rugby league. She discusses the rapid growth of the women’s game, returning to State of Origin after becoming a mother, and balancing professional sport with family, media and business.

Beyond football, the episode explores Millie’s financial journey, the importance of seeking advice early, making the most of opportunities and building a career and identity outside of sport.

A must-listen for athletes, fans and anyone interested in motherhood, resilience, financial preparation and creating long-term success beyond the game.

Introducing Athlete’s Journey – Winning On & Off The Field, a podcast exploring the financial journeys of Australia’s most influential sporting figures.

In Episode 11, host Brent Read and co-host Chris Lawrence are joined by GWS Giants star Steve Coniglio.

In this honest and insightful conversation, Steve reflects on his journey from Perth to Greater Western Sydney, his rise through the AFL, and the leadership lessons that have shaped his career.

Beyond football, the episode explores the financial realities athletes face, the importance of taking ownership, learning about money, making smart investment decisions, and preparing for life after sport.

A must-listen for athletes, fans, and anyone interested in leadership, resilience, and building long-term success beyond the game.

Introducing Athlete’s Journey – Winning On & Off The Field, a podcast exploring the financial journeys of Australia’s most influential sporting figures.

In Episode 10, host Brent Read and co-host Chris Lawrence are joined by former professional rugby league player and My Kitchen Rules winner Will Mataka.

In this honest and powerful conversation, Will reflects on his journey through elite sport, the challenges of transitioning beyond rugby league, and the personal battles that shaped his life after the game.

Beyond football, the episode explores the financial realities athletes face, the importance of family, resilience, smart decision-making, and finding new purpose after professional sport.

A must-listen for athletes, fans, and anyone interested in the realities of life after sport.

Introducing Athlete’s Journey – Winning On & Off The Field, a podcast exploring the financial journeys of Australia’s most influential sporting figures.

In Episode 8, host Brent Read and co-host Chris Lawrence are joined by former Australian cricketer Trent Copeland.

In this insightful conversation, Trent reflects on life in elite sport, the transition beyond the game, and the mindset required to build a strong future after competition.

Beyond cricket, the episode explores the financial realities athletes face, the importance of making smart money decisions, and how to create long-term success both during and after a sporting career.

A must-listen for athletes, fans, and anyone interested in the business of sport.

Introducing “Athlete’s Journey – Winning On & Off The Field”, a podcast exploring the financial journeys of Australia’s most influential sporting figures.

In Episode 9, host Brent Read and Director of Athlete Wealth Management Robbie Farah are joined by Michael Chammas, General Manager of the PNG Chiefs.

In this exclusive conversation, Michael unpacks the shock signing of Jarome Luai, what it signals for the future of the NRL in Papua New Guinea, and the broader vision behind expanding the game into new markets.

Beyond the headlines, the episode dives into the financial realities athletes face, the importance of making smart money decisions, and how players can set themselves up for long-term success.

A must-listen for athletes, fans, and anyone interested in the business of sport.