One of rugby league’s most respected identities is heading to the Hunter next month to throw his support behind Sleapy’s Foundation.
NRL legend Wayne Pearce OAM, also known as Junior, will be the special guest at the local charity’s fundraising luncheon, Cutting Edge, at Souths Merewether on Friday 10 October.
From 1pm until 5pm, the 65-year-old, who represented the Balmain Tigers on 193 occasions, NSW (16) and Australia (19) between 1980 and 1990, is expected to share powerful insights on high performance, resilience and what it takes to stay at the top with host Adam Murray from NBN.
Attendees can also enjoy a two-course meal, drinks, raffles, an auction and plenty of sporting banter, while amassing funds to help families and individuals facing serious hardship, those battling illness or experiencing crisis or financial stress.
Wayne Pearce in his heyday with the Balmain Tigers.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Pearce said.
“Most people are wired in a way that they can help others where possible.
“I think Sleapy (Peter Sleap) and his foundation is taking that to another level.
“So, I am honoured to play a role.
“Plus, it’s nice to be remembered after all these years,” he added with a laugh.
“I’ll tell a few yarns of bygone days, funny behind the scenes stories that I’ve come across.
“After all, I played alongside several of the game’s greatest characters, like Steve “Blocker” Roach, Paul Sironen, Kerry Hemlsey and Benny Elias.
“But, I also want to talk about peak performance because that’s what I’ve really focused on since I retired.
“I’ve been consulting with businesses and running programs around that subject, pretty much on the mindset of teamwork and leadership.
“Those things come into play in everyday life.
“However, there are certain fundamental aspects that if we do them right, we’re much more effective… and life is a lot more enjoyable.
“Unfortunately, most of it doesn’t get taught in school and we fumble and bumble around – as I did for a long period of time – until you hit the mark.
“My view is that life’s a journey.
“It’s all about learning and learning, then re-learning.
“That’s what allowed me to have such a successful footy career.
“And, yes, I’m still researching, learning about myself… it’s never-ending.
“So, to be to share that, via stories, some tools and techniques, is really exciting.
“It’s something I truly love.”
Pearce kicked off his career with Balmain in 1980, achieving almost every accolade an individual can attain.
He donned an NSW State of Origin jersey from 1983 to 1988, captaining the side to a historic clean-sweep in 1986, while wearing the “green and gold” between 1982 and 1988.
In February 2008, the lock was named in the list of Australia’s 100 Greatest Players (1908-2007), which was commissioned by the NRL and ARL to celebrate the code’s centenary year.
“Notwithstanding, I had some good accomplishments,” he said.
“Looking back, I would certainly do things differently – in a number of areas – to how I did them because that was the level of consciousness that I was operating at.
“But, I’m very happy and honoured to have had the opportunity to represent Australia, captain NSW and the Tigers, and all that sort of stuff.
“It’s a nice resume.
“However, like I said, if I was to go back and know what I know now, I believe I would have been an even better player.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese chats with Balmain Tigers NRL legends Wayne Pearce and Steve “Blocker” Roach at Leichhardt Oval. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins)
These days, Pearce is as busy as ever.
Apart from his speaking engagements, he’s an Australian Rugby League (ARL) Commissioner, overseeing the governance of the code.
“For me, it’s really satisfying,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.
“With Peter V’Landys as chair, he’s a real visionary and someone who is doing a great job taking the game forward.
“It’s terrific to work with him and assist in that journey.
“I’m aware we cop a bit of criticism now and then, however – from my point of view – rugby league is in the best place it’s ever been.
“Look at the crowds, the ratings and the speed of the game.
“There’s an old-school mentality that sort of says we must return to the old-fashioned barge and bring back the biff days.
“But, unfortunately, that’s never going to happen.
“We’re in another era now where the game is appealing to an even much, much bigger audience than it did back when I played.
“And, the reason for that is because it’s evolved to be a real entertainment spectacle.
“As administrators, I guess we’re not in the business of sport anymore.
“So, we’re going to make sure we continue to stay tuned to what our audience wants, to stay in that sweet spot, which we’re in at the moment.”
For more, visit https://www.sleapysfoundation.com.au/events/cutting-edge-with-wayne-pearce/
The Newcastle Weekly is the official media partner of Sleapy’s Foundation
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