While the NRL Telstra Premiership is in full swing, the Bulldogs squad members have been busy off the field with their pursuits of education.
- Preston Acknowledged at Vice Chancellors Blues Awards
- Wilson Takes Flight, O’Neill Completes Degree
- NRL Squad Begin Diploma of Community Services
- Morrin and Hutchison Take Final Steps in Qualifications
- MTC Australia Holding Business Workshop
Preston Acknowledged at Vice Chancellors Blues Awards
Second rower Jacob Preston isn’t just getting plenty of plaudits for his on-field performance after being acknowledged at the Vice-Chancellor's Blues Awards.
Preston, who is nearing completion of a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice, was celebrated alongside 15 fellow student-athletes for achieving UNSW’s highest sporting honour.
The 23-year-old created further history as just one of 680 individuals to receive the honour in the 60 years of the award’s existence out of tens of thousands of students-athletes.
The evening proved to be not only a celebration of sporting excellence, but an opportunity for athletes to acknowledge the collective effort that has gone into their success.
Wilson Nearing License, O’Neill Completes Degree
Youngsters Blake Wilson and Joseph O’Neill both achieved milestones in their respective fields in recent weeks.
Wilson, who has been attending flight school each week is on track to gain his Recreational Pilot License by year's end, before beginning his Private Pilot License.
The flying winger has completed four solo flights so far, in a further leap towards a career post-football.
Meanwhile, Joseph O’Neill has completed his Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science degree at Western Sydney University, with the 22-year-old aiming for a career in elite sport post-playing.
The duo also contributed to the Club’s most recent Careers Workshop, sharing their experiences with members of the Harold Matthews Cup team alongside Jacob Preston and Club Career Coach Renee Liddy.
Wilson and Preston – Bulldogs Education Ambassadors – along with O’Neill shared their experiences and reinforced the importance of education and planning for life after football.
Education,1:1 Career Coaching and Academic Support is provided to all Bulldogs players by the Wellbeing and Education department to help off-field development and are integral parts of the Club’s program.
NRL Squad Begin Diploma of Community Services
The Bulldogs continue their reputation as a community-centric Club, with thirteen players starting a Diploma of Community Services course across the year.
Starting the course at the end of March were Tom Amone, Logan Spinks, Jack Underhill, Harry Hayes, Jonathan Sua, Lipoi Hopoi, Zyon Maiu’u, Jake Turpin, Mitchell Woods, Fahmy Toilalo and Tanu Nona.
Organised by Renee Liddy from the Bulldogs Career and Education team and delivered by Danny Nicholson from Upskill U Training, the course provides the players with the necessary skills, knowledge and qualifications to work in a wide range of roles in the community.
As part of their course, players explore the different issues affecting young people in the community and how to empower and provide support to disadvantaged and vulnerable individuals.
Sitili Tupouniua, Enari Tuala, Reuben Moyle and Sosaia Alatini will begin the course in the coming weeks.
Morrin and Hutchison Take Final Steps in Qualifications
NRL squad members Kurtis Morrin and Drew Hutchison have entered the latter stages of their respective qualifications.
Morrin is in the final stages of completing his Plumbing qualifications, with the final documents being signed off on his apprenticeship.
Meanwhile, Hutchison has now become a registered primary school teacher, with just one subject to finish his Teaching degree at the University of New England.
The five-eighth has also started an Athlete Wellbeing Management course in a bid to continue his education.
MTC Australia Holding Business Workshop
Proud naming rights partner of Bulldogs in Business, MTC Australia, will begin a "Being My Own Boss" workshop at the Club.
With over 35 years of experience, MTC Australia has delivered high-impact employment, mentoring and training programs for over 20,000 Australians across NSW, QLD and the ACT.
Now, the independent business will be hosting a workshop and providing business coaches and mentors to help players interested in starting their own business ventures.
Players from the NRL, NSW Cup and Jersey Flegg squad as well as their partners who are looking to start or have already started their own businesses have been invited to join.
