Craig Field is a former Australian rugby league star who played professional football for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, Balmain Tigers, and Wests Tigers, showcasing an impressive skill level and an ability to perform on the big stage.
Despite his success on the field, he faced significant challenges off the field, including struggles with alcohol and drugs, which dramatically impacted his career and personal life. After retiring from footy, Craig moved towards a career in coaching until a life-changing incident in 2012, when an altercation in a public car park led to a tragic death, resulting in an 8-year prison sentence.
Now committed to turning his life around, Craig is dedicated to inspiring change and advocating for better mental health for young men and women, from all walks of life. His journey has taken him from adversity to advocacy and is a lesson in the power of redemption and the importance of looking after your mental wellbeing.
In this episode Andrew and Craig discuss:
5:15 Presenting to the players at Manly Sea Eagles 12 months ago and the overwhelmingly positive feedback Craig received that talk.
7:00 Memories of growing up, good and bad.
10:00 Being invited to join the Rabbitohs for a training session and thoughts on growing up playing with his mate Jim Dymock.
11:15 Jim's memories of playing football with Craig.
15:45 Mixing with the wrong crowd during his rise to fame, and the prominence of drugs and gambling early in his career.
24:30 The moment that changed Craig’s life on the 15th of July 2012, and how he was found guilty of manslaughter.
27:00 The realities of what life is like in prison.
37:10 How Craig was targeted in prison because of his high profile, the nightmare night with a new cellmate who was on drugs, and some of the terrible violence witnessed in prison.
44:25 Craig’s encounter with the ghost of Grafton prison, release day being the highlight of his life and the first meal Craig had after getting out of prison.
52:50 Craig’s amazing wife of 27 years and how she stuck by him and held the family together, coaching his son's team and the connection they formed together.
57:30 Advice for younger generations, thoughts on forgiveness and the complex family relationships he has due to a difficult upbringing.
1:02:45 Why Craig is so passionate about spreading his message and new found interest in charity work.
1:08:00 Why Craig puts so much importance on understanding other people's perspectives, where he can see himself going in the future and thoughts on writing a book about his experiences.
1:13:00 Why Craig was hesitant to do podcasts and media requests, and his newfound purpose and parting message.
You can send Craig an email at: craigfield73@outlook.com
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