Parramatta Eels star Shaun Lane is cut from a different cloth, with the backrower adamant being a NRL player across a decade never defined him as a person.
The backrower, 30, announced his retirement from the sport this week – and he will relish the opportunity to mentor the next generation of players in blue and gold in a newly created role at the club.
Under contract until the end of 2026, Lane could have kept going – and be paid the kind of money most footy fans can only dream about.
But ultimately Lane knew his passion for footy had waned, so it was time to hang up his boots and embrace the next phase of his life.
‘Playing NRL was a chore at times, so it is definitely the right decision,’ he told the Daily Mail.
‘I was invested as an athlete, I don’t have any regrets, but footy was never a religion for me. And I know for some guys it really is.
‘In saying that, I’m looking forward to giving back, and I’m thankful Parra have given me the opportunity to do so in the mental skills and athlete wellness space for the girls (NRLW) and pathways squads.’
Lane – who has a Bachelor of Health Sciences degree and a Graduate Diploma in Psychology -will juggle his Eels commitments with fulltime work at Pro Era Performance.
‘I will be working with my brother Brett, and as a firm we are placing focus on an integrated, scientific approach with athletes,’ he said.
‘Psychological and physical wellbeing is a space I’m passionate about. ‘I’ve been setting myself (off-field) for a while now, I’m looking forward to it.
‘Life will be busy, but it will be nice to be in a situation where if I think I should go for a run….I won’t actually have to.’
After chalking up 186 games in first grade across four clubs – the Bulldogs, Warriors, Sea Eagles and Eels – Lane has never forgotten what happened to close mate Kurt Drysdale in 2015.
The promising hooker was playing for Cabramatta when he was left paralysed following a tackle.
His life changed in an instant and he is likely to spend his remaining days confined to a wheelchair.
‘These days Kurt is on the Gold Coast and we keep in touch,’ Lane said.
‘I often used to think before and during (NRL matches) what happened to Kurt could easily be me, it is pure luck in a contact sport.
‘I certainly won’t miss those intrusive thoughts on the field.’
Additionally, Lane’s dad has battled depression his whole life, which is why the second-rower – who played in the 2022 Grand Final – feels privileged to now be in a position to help shape the lives of future Eels stars.
Parramatta general manager of football Mark O’Neill has no doubt Lane will be an invaluable asset for emerging players.
‘Shaun has been a wonderful ambassador. He carries himself with humility, integrity and professionalism, and he’s been an exceptional role model for younger players,’ he said.
‘We are proud to see him step into this important new role, where his leadership and passion for player welfare will continue to make a difference.’
