From barefoot beginnings to NRL Grand Final glory, Corey Thompson shares his remarkable 10-year professional rugby league journey. Discover how a late-blooming athlete with wires in both ankles and a metal plate in his hand conquered the NRL and Super League across 180 professional caps.
Corey reveals the brutal reality of post-retirement at just 33 — losing identity, purpose, and fighting through a dark year before finding his way back. Learn the visualisation techniques that prepared him for the biggest games, why he went alcohol-free for 18 months, and the competitive mindset that separates elite athletes from everyone else.
This episode unpacks the hidden sacrifices behind professional sports success and offers powerful lessons on resilience, goal-setting, and rebuilding your life after your dreams are fulfilled.
00:00:00 - Introduction to Corey Thompson's career
00:04:58 - Childhood in Brisbane and family challenges
00:14:15 - Breaking into professional rugby league
00:21:42 - Grand final experience and first NRL contract
00:29:05 - Challenges of playing in England and returning home
00:35:47 - The toughest opponents and most difficult games
00:42:12 - Post-retirement struggles and identity crisis
00:51:21 - Mental preparation and visualization techniques
00:57:09 - Leadership insights and coaching wisdom
01:09:24 - The competitive mindset of elite athletes
01:22:57 - Life lessons and goal-setting strategies
01:31:43 - What separates the true greats from everyone else
01:36:58 - Finding purpose after retirement and new career path
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