Slade Griffin hasn’t given a lot of thought to what he will do after football.
Despite suffering four ACL injuries, the Knights hooker loves playing the game.
That love has never wavered and while he can’t be on the field with his Newcastle Knights teammates as he recovers from his latest setback, it hasn’t stopped him from playing a role.
Asked to help with the defence, Griffin has been working individually with players, both on the field and in video sessions.
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“I was just helping the boys more so with defence… just little things I’ve learnt along the way that have helped me be a better player,” Griffin explained on the Our Town Our Team podcast.
“Just taking that next step individually as a player. Every player has something to work on, whether it’s their catch and pass or their stick or the way they tackle technique wise.
“I was helping out a bit there.”
A member of the emerging leadership group, Griffin has relished the role.
“I can’t do it but I get to show them what I felt has worked for me and what I’ve seen work for other players,” he said.
It’s also planted the seed for life post-career.
“I’m a massive sports fan and I love listening to coaches talk and the strategy behind it,” he explained.
“It’s a tough job. I would never want to be a head coach but I think being a personal development coach or just helping boys grow from a young age.
“I don’t think players get enough. Sometimes they tell you to do reps when you’re younger but there’s techniques to learn which I learnt a lot through rugby.”
