With Origin III the decider between New South Wales Blues and Queensland Maroons, unfolding at Suncorp Stadium tonight, the hard work of our NSW Blues players David Klemmer, Josh Jackson and Brett Morris continues off the field.
From long training sessions, hours spent in the gym to fan signing sessions; the players work hard during the NRL season on and off the field.
Off field has a high importance as it is essential all NRL players look ahead as unfortunately, every player needs to move on from their football careers at some point.
The three Bulldogs players making an appearance in Origin tonight have revealed which workforce they wish to be involved in after their football careers.
Second rower Josh Jackson recently completed his Exercise & Health Science degree at the University of Newcastle, graduating on the 6th of July and securing his future post football career.
“Hopefully when I finish my rugby league career I can stay involved in rugby league or in sport in some capacity. It took me eight years to do a three-year degree, like I said with the training load it was pretty hard to get it done, but I’m very excited (to finish) and hopefully it puts me in good stead post my footy career.”
Prop David Klemmer is looking to settle into juvenile work following his football career but has studied landscaping and horticulture.
The 23-year old understands the importance of having something lined up after his rugby league career.
“I’m really looking at doing some juvenile work or something with troubled kids,” Klemmer said.
“It’s about helping kids get back on the right path. I’ve had mates go down the wrong path before. I’ve seen what it’s done to their families. I’ve seen it first-hand and want to help these kids. It’s something I’m eager to do after footy”.
Winger Brett Morris also hopes to gain his builder’s licence after his NRL career.
“At the Bulldogs I have started doing a construction building certificate,” Brett Morris stated, “I am open to a lot of opportunities — you don’t want to pigeonhole yourself. There’s a long life after footy. The last thing you want is to get stuck doing something you don’t like.”
