Throughout season 2025, a number of our NRL and NRLW players have gotten to work off the field, levelling up their skillsets across a number of workshops and courses.
- MTC Be Your Own Boss Workshop
- Community Focus for NRL and NRLW Squads
- NRL and NRLW Squads Complete Courses
- MacGregor and Wilson Recognised for Academic Excellence
- Trio Completing and Continuing Bachelor Degrees
MTC Be Your Own Boss Workshop
An initiative brought to life by the Bulldogs' Career and Education department, members of the NRL, NRLW and Academy squads attended the ‘Be Your Own Boss’ workshop thanks to our proud corporate partner, MTC Australia.
Max King, Kurtis Morrin, Daniel Suluka-Fifita, Jordi Mazzone, Braye Porter and Blake Taaffe attended the first session, with the successful workshop seeing NRLW players Anneka and Leilani Wilson, Ash Quinlan, Tayla Preston and Monica Tagoai join.
Run by MTC Business Coach Thomas Reid, players were guided through the essentials of starting and growing successful businesses, with the hour-long workshop giving the players tips and advice for their post-career ambitions.
Community Focus for NRL and NRLW Squads
Both the NRL and NRLW squads have been busy earning qualifications for Community-based services, highlighting the passion of the players to give back to the Bulldogs community and beyond.
Enari Tuala, Sitili Tupouniua, Jack Underhill, Harry Hayes, Lipoi Hopoi, Jake Turpin, Logan Spinks, Zyon Maiu’u, Jonathan Sua, Mitchell Woods, Ben Moyle and Fahmy Toilalo recently completed their Diploma of Community Service.
Meanwhile, several NRLW players including Anneka and Leilani Wilson, Ash Quinlan, Shannon Muru, Shaniece Monschau, Latisha Smythe and Monica Tagoai completed their Certificate IV in Community Services. Other Pathways players and NRLW players are currently working in local schools as Teacher Aides (SLSOs), as well as disability support services including My Mate Ability.
NRL and NRLW Squads Complete Courses
Both NRL and NRLW players also completed a number of short courses across a variety of disciplines as they look to open up future opportunities.
The Real Estate Assistant Agent one-day course was delivered at Belmore Sports Ground, allowing NRL players Finau Latu, Lipoi Hopoi, Jaeman Salmon as well as NRLW players Moana Courtenay, Monica Tagoai and Anneka Wilson to help earn their Real Estate licenses.
Meanwhile, members the NRLW squad has also taken the opportunity to complete several short courses and licenses including earning their First Aid certificate, White Card training, Forklift Training as well as Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA).
MacGregor and Wilson Recognised for Academic Excellence
Wing pairing Elizabeth MacGregor and Blake Wilson have both been recognised for their respective academic excellence by the League Ahead program.
MacGregor was named as a finalist for the NRLW Young Achiever Award, attending the League Ahead award presentation night on August 19th. Currently, she is studying a Bachelor of Primary Teaching at Western Sydney University alongside NRLW teammate Latisha Smythe.
Wilson, who is currently in the midst of pilot training, was a finalist in the 2025 NRL Academic Team of the Year. He has completed his Recreational Pilot License (RPL) training with Sydney Flight College (SFC) at Bankstown Aerodrome, with a goal of attaining his Commercial Pilot License.
Trio Completing and Continuing Bachelor Degrees
Jacob Preston and Jethro Rinakama have continued their university studies, while fledgling halfback Joseph O'Neill has graduated from his Bachelor's degree.
O’Neill has graduated from his Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science degree at Western Sydney University. The 22-year-old halfback, who got his first taste of NRL in the Pre-Season Challenge, is now aiming for a career in elite sport post-playing.
Meanwhile, Preston is continuing his Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at UNSW, while 2025 NRL debutant Jethro Rinakama has been undergoing studies for a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at Macquarie University.
