Elevate with Mets

In this raw and powerful episode, we dive DEEP with one of the sharpest minds in rugby league management — and we don’t hold back. From the moment we shut down the gym for 3 months (and everyone thought we were insane), to the legends who’ve walked our floors (yes, even Arnold Schwarzenegger as a kid!), we unpack 15 years of transformation, grit, and community.

🏉 Hear firsthand stories from behind the scenes in the NRL — player scandals, agent wars, the pressure of contracts, and the heartbreak of careers cut short. We break down what really happens when the headlines hit, and how trust, culture, and values can make or break a team… or a gym.

🔥 Topics We Cover:

What happened when Arnold trained here 💪

How culture shapes clubs AND fitness communities

The real story behind agent Isaac Moses and Locky Galvin

Mental health in sport & why agents must step up

Lessons from Jared Mullen’s comeback and the value of second chances

Managing egos, families, and futures — all in one call

Why this gym still stands as a sanctuary for ex-players and everyday legends

📍 Whether you're into rugby, gym culture, or just love a no-BS conversation about leadership, loyalty, and redemption — this episode’s for YOU.

🎧 Hit play, subscribe, and come for a walk through the stories that shaped us.

🎙️ EPISODE #63 – Lonnie’s Back: Mindset, Movement & Meaningful Growth

One of our most powerful episodes yet , Lonnie returns to the podcast and brings with him wisdom, realness, and a deeper perspective on life, fitness, family, and everything in between.

If you connected with his first appearance, this episode will hit even harder. Why? Because this time it’s not just about the reps in the gym, it’s about the reps in life.

In this episode, we dive into: Why fitness is the foundation, not just for strength, but for mental clarity

🔥 Lonnie’s reflections on social media, personal branding & pivoting with purpose

🔥 The lessons learned at our recent Thailand retreat: community, recovery, and the power of shared effort

🔥 Balancing high-performance with fatherhood and emotional resilience

🔥 Handling injuries, setbacks, and motivation slumps — and why rest is part of the work

🔥 How to lead from the front, even when you feel like quitting

🔥 Building discipline, values, and self-awareness — in training and in life

From deep talks on growth and accountability, to laughs about gym floods and sandbag lifts in Fiji — this one is packed with the kind of raw insight and relatable energy that makes the podcast what it is.

This isn’t surface-level chat. This is about pushing boundaries, evolving as men, as leaders, and as humans. Whether you're in the trenches or chasing your next level — this episode is a reminder: you've got more in you.

👍 LIKE | 💬 COMMENT | 🔔 SUBSCRIBE

Drop your thoughts below — and tell us what part hit home for you.

This week on the podcast, we’re focusing on how NRL players and enthusiasts can take their fitness and nutrition to the next level! Whether you’re an aspiring player, a current NRL athlete, or a passionate fan looking to get into better shape, we’ve got the insights you need. We dive into how to maintain peak performance during the season, dealing with travel schedules, and balancing training with recovery.

We’ll also be tackling the nutrition side of things, exploring strategies for fueling your body for high-intensity workouts and matches, while keeping energy levels consistent and supporting muscle recovery. Plus, we share tips on dealing with common issues like IBS flare-ups, ensuring your nutrition plan is both effective and gut-friendly.

Don’t miss out on our expert advice for creating a fitness plan that aligns with the demands of NRL while helping you stay injury-free, build strength, and maintain a balanced lifestyle. Whether you’re on or off the field, we’ll help you set the right mindset and structure for success.

We’re back in Australia after an intense 10 days in Thailand, and this episode dives straight into the retreat experience. The goal? To push every individual beyond their limits, physically, mentally, and emotionally, while creating a seamless experience in training, nutrition, and recovery.

Initially, this was set to be the last retreat, but something shifted along the way. As the days progressed, the group fed off each other’s energy, taking on every challenge and demanding more.

The feedback was powerful, proving that the retreat delivered more than expected. People left with confidence, new perspectives, and tools to bring back home, exactly what we set out to achieve.

Michael Fualalo has built a reputation as one of the top speed coaches in rugby league, working with some of the fastest players in the game. His journey started in group fitness, but under the mentorship of speed specialist Roger Fabri, he refined his approach to acceleration and movement mechanics, carving a path into elite-level coaching.

Beyond training athletes, Michael has played a key role in revitalizing Cabramatta Rugby League, bringing a fresh perspective to player development. His deep-rooted connection to the game, influenced by his father, "Uncle Charlie," has shaped his coaching philosophy, blending discipline, technical expertise, and a passion for progress.

In this episode, Michael shares his experiences breaking into the industry, the challenges of coaching at the highest level, and what it takes to build true speed and agility in athletes.

From Junior Club to NRL Star: Jacob’s Inspiring Journey

Jacob’s journey from a small junior club to the NRL is nothing short of inspiring. Growing up in a rugby league family, his dad played a huge role in shaping his career, instilling values of loyalty, hard work, and perseverance. Despite playing for a team without the same resources or star players as others, Jacob stood out, proving that success is earned, not given.

In this episode, we dive into his junior footy days at Renown United, his transition into the Dragons' system, and the surreal moment of making his NRL debut. He shares the highs and lows of his career, including the tough reality of leaving the club he always dreamed of playing for and finding a new home at South Sydney.

From childhood dreams to professional realities—Jacob’s story is one of resilience, passion, and commitment to the game.

🔔 Subscribe for more in-depth NRL stories!
📢 Share your thoughts in the comments, what part of Jacob’s journey inspired you the most?

#NRL #RugbyLeague #Jacob #SouthSydney #StGeorge #NRLDebut #HardWorkPaysOff

We’re back for another episode, and this time, we’re reflecting on the journey so far! With 58 episodes now in the books, we’re diving into some of the biggest lessons learned from the high-level guests we’ve had on the show. Jake’s here to share his thoughts, and we’ll also highlight the incredible feedback and support we’ve received from our listeners, because your comments and messages mean more than you know.

In this episode, we also get into the latest on Jack de Belin, his exoneration, and the serious allegations of police evidence tampering. What does it mean when the system gets it wrong? And how does a player rebuild after being dragged through it all? We break it down.

Plus, we touch on the Paul Kent situation and the media’s role in shaping narratives, whether it’s fair, biased, or just for views. There’s a lot to unpack, and we’re not holding back.

Tune in for real talk, insights, and a look back at the best moments from the podcast so far!

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe!

This Week’s Episode: Special Guest Pete Mata’utia – A Heartfelt Conversation

In this week's episode, we have a special guest, Pete, who shares some incredible stories and reflections from his upbringing in Bankstown to his rugby league career. From funny anecdotes about his last name pronunciation to heartfelt moments about his family and his journey in the NRL, Pete takes us through the highs and lows of his experiences.

We kick things off with Pete sharing the humorous struggles of his last name, which changed with each game, and the bond that formed with his brothers as they all began their careers. Growing up in Bankstown, Pete talks about the community, his love for the Bulldogs, and how the area shaped his values. But his journey didn’t just revolve around rugby, his family played a major role in his success.

Pete reflects on the pride he felt when his brother made history by becoming the youngest ever to play for Australia, and the sacrifices his family made, particularly his mother. His story highlights the resilience of family bonds, the sacrifices they’ve made, and the driving force behind their success.

Tune in as Pete takes us behind the scenes of his life, his career, and the lessons he's learned along the way. It's an inspiring conversation about family, dedication, and perseverance.

Bradley Dryburgh shares his journey of living with cystic fibrosis (CF) and diabetes, emphasizing the role of fitness, mindset, and purpose in overcoming adversity. He highlights how the gym serves as a melting pot of people striving for self-betterment and discusses his belief in the power of intent and consistency.

Bradley recounts his diagnosis at birth and how his parents rejected a bleak prognosis, choosing instead to find a doctor who aligned with their positive vision. Despite facing multiple health challenges, including liver disease at nine and diabetes at 13, he remained active, attributing his well-being to daily exercise, proper nutrition, and a strong support system.

He explains the impact of CF on the body, particularly how thick mucus affects organ function, and how exercise plays a crucial role in clearing his lungs. Growing up, he developed a passion for sports, which significantly improved his lung function and overall health. His story is a testament to resilience, showing that while genetics and circumstances play a role, personal choices, discipline, and a positive outlook can make a huge difference.

The episode kicks off with a lighthearted moment about a WhatsApp group post mistakenly announcing Emre joining the Dragons. The hosts reminisce about their shared background, emphasizing their Eastlakes upbringing and the challenges and opportunities that came with it. Emre reflects on his childhood, describing a close-knit, multicultural community where playing outside every day was the norm.

He talks about his early sports journey, initially playing soccer before transitioning to rugby league at age 10 with the Mascot Jets. Despite an early setback due to injury, Emre stuck with footy, growing up alongside future NRL stars like Cameron Murray and Keaon Koloamatangi. He credits his scholarship at Matraville Sports High as a turning point, where he began taking the sport more seriously.

A humorous moment arises when Emre recalls briefly working at his family's kebab shop before realizing it wasn’t for him, leading his father to encourage him to focus on football. He details his progression through the junior ranks, his experience in the Rabbitohs system, and how playing with top-tier teammates shaped his development.

The conversation shifts to his nine-year tenure at the Canberra Raiders, with Emre explaining his decision to leave Sydney. He highlights the importance of stepping out of his comfort zone to grow as a player and discusses the influence of key figures in his career, such as Matt King and Michael Maguire.

Throughout the episode, Emre’s journey is framed as one of resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of continuous improvement, shaped by both his environment and the people around him.