A group of Panthers have celebrated the completion of a range of study courses this year. From trades to business degrees, Panthers understands the value of life away from rugby league.
See the accomplishments below.
Jack Cogger
Bachelor of Business & Cert IV in Elite Athlete Wellbeing
Tell us about the journey of completing a Bachelor of Business…
I jumped in the course straight out of school. At first, I didn’t know if it was going to be a full-time footy player because I wasn’t sure if I was good enough. I had already started to study so I wanted to continue that. It took over six years to finally finish the course because I did it part-time while I was playing footy full-time. It got to a point that I wanted to complete it, so I knuckled down and got it done. I’ve now got the piece of paper to prove it.
What course are you studying now?
I’m now doing a Cert IV in Elite Athlete Wellbeing. It’s a growing area in all industries but especially in rugby league. It’s something I’m interested in, and so far, it’s been really interesting.
Mavrik Geyer
Cert III Roof Plumbing
How did you get into Roof Plumbing?
When I finished school, I studied roof plumbing because my mate’s dad owned a company and it worked well to make some money. I actually started loving it, so I started the course. It’s good to have a Plan B because we all know that footy doesn’t last forever – it’s usually over when you’re in your early 30s. It’s good to have something to fall back on. I really enjoyed doing it and there’s good money in it too, especially if you own your own company.
How did you find the balance of studying and playing rugby league at the same time?
The Panthers really looked after me and made it easy for me to balance studying and playing footy at the same time. My boss was really awesome as well, because he knew my training came first and was flexible with me playing footy. Some days it was tough going to training after work, but luckily everyone was very supportive.
Matt Eisenhuth
Diploma of Community Services
Tell us about the Diploma that you have just finished…
When I was playing for Wests Tigers, I did a course with Chris Lawrence’s business, One Wellbeing, which was similar to this course, and then this one was an extension to that one. Community Services and Wellbeing is definitely something that interests me and I do some of that work amongst the footy scene – we go into schools and do education visits.
Now that you have completed your studies, what are the next steps that you’re taking?
I’m now looking to get involved with the NRL and do a few things amongst the community there. I’m working with the NRL next week at a school in Menai. Now I’m looking at doing some work experience and working out if that’s what I want to do post-footy. It sounds pretty good to me, so if it eventuates, I’ll be pretty happy. We all want footy to last forever, but we all know it won’t last forever. We’ve got to make the most of our careers, but also prepare for like after footy. That’s why I’m trying to get experience now.
Jaeman Salmon
Cert III Carpentry and Joinery
What made you get into Carpentry?
I went straight into first-grade rugby league after school – so when I was 19, I started a Cert III in Carpentry and Joinery. The course was two nights a week over three years – it’s a Plan B for me, something to fall back on. My parents always told me it’s important to have something to fall back on. I knuckled down on that and it’ll always be there – it’s something I could possibly see myself doing in the future.
Was it beneficial to study as an escape from footy?
It was really good to do something that didn’t have anything to do with footy. Sometimes after a long day of training, it was good to go home and then to TAFE to switch off. I feel when I’m footy, footy, footy, it isn’t good for me, but when I’ve got stuff away from footy, it’s when I’m feeling the best and playing the best as well.
Liam Henry
Cert III Heavy Metal Fabrication & Cert III Fitness
How did you find studying and working in Heavy Metal Fabrication?
I started the working and studying Heavy Metal Fabrication when I finished Year 10 at school – I went and got on the tools. I like that type of work, I really enjoy building things and getting my hands dirty. That’s why I got into it. Playing footy and working at the same time was pretty full on and tough at first. I would start early in the morning, work until 2 or 3 in the afternoon and then come to training. Even though I loved the job, it was pretty taxing on the body – but it was still really good and awesome. It’s good that I’ve got the trade behind me. My brother has his own steel business, so it kind of goes hand in hand. I think I’ll look to get back on the tools one day, but hopefully not for a while.
What are you studying now?
I’m studying Cert III in fitness. I’d love to get into a bit of PT and stay in sport after football. I’m studying it part time, while playing footy.
Penrith Panthers is pleased to have Torrens University Australia as the club’s exclusive education partner. Torrens University is renowned for its industry-focused education, and takes pride in its tailored and innovative approach to higher education.
