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The 2014 Inspiring Australia Luncheon has been held and it was an opportunity for guests to hear the Inspiring Stories of Trent Hodkinson, Reni Maitua and Private Damien Thomlinson.

Trent Hodkinson:

Trent was the new halfback on the scene and fater arriving at the Bulldogs in 2011, he wa sthe man who was chosen to lead the club through the next chapter.

As rugby league goes, injuries can happen and that they did for Hodkinson. Both shoulders and two knee operations, all in the space of 18 months did not leave the then 24-year-old in a great headspace, but his determination and application since then has seen him become one of the most talked about players in rugby league.

Trent spoke about his road to State of Origin glory and all the twists and turns along the way.

Reni Maitua:

Reni returned home to where it all begain in 2014, 10 years on from his debut year in the NRL Premiership side.

The 32-year-old has had a career full of ups and downs along with the odd bit of controversy, but none bigger than the personal demons he suffered throughout 2013.

Maitua has come out the other side and is now here to help out those who are suffering the demons of depression and working alongside Suicide Prevention Australia.

Maitua gave an insight into his life and how he has grown as a person from the challenges he has had.

Private Damien Thomlinson:

Damien showed an interest in joining the Australian Defence Force from an early age, inspired by his grandfather, Damien's dream was always to join the commandos - one of the most mentally challenging, physically demanding and undeiably dangerous roles in the armed forces.

At the age of just 24, Damien became a member of the elite military group.

At the Luncheon Damien took the guest on a journey that tells the story of how his childhood dream come reality of joining the Australian Defence Force changed his life forever.

 

 

 

 

 

Acknowledgement of Country

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs respect and honour the Darug and Eora nations, who are the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.