Wigan Warriors rugby league star and former Leeds Rhinos captain Kruise Leeming joins me for an honest, powerful conversation about leadership, loss, identity, and emotional growth.

At just eight years old, Kruise lost his dad and was immediately told he was now “the man of the house.” That moment shaped everything: his drive, his discipline, and his approach to sport and leadership. But as he opens up here, it also left scars.

We explore:

The pressure of early responsibility
The cost of performance-first leadership
Owning past mistakes and letting go of guilt
Reconnecting with faith, vulnerability and inner peace
Becoming a better man — for himself and the people around him

Kruise speaks openly about the things he got wrong, the people he wishes he’d said sorry to, and how he’s learning to show up differently on and off the pitch.

This episode goes beyond sport. It’s about identity, masculinity, grief, and the courage it takes to slow down and change.

Show Notes

Kruise’s Journey into Manhood

Losing his father at age 8
Taking on responsibility too young
Being told: “You’re the man of the house now”
His mum’s role in keeping him disciplined

Sport as an Escape and a Mirror

Finding rugby by chance
Why individual sports weren’t enough
Realising rugby gave him belonging and identity
Feeling seen for the first time

The Drive to Succeed and What It Cost

His obsession with performance
Leadership at Leeds and the emotional disconnect
How “winning” became a way to avoid feeling
The relationships and moments he regrets missing

The Turning Point

Grace (his partner) giving him permission to be vulnerable
Starting to question: “Why does that trigger me?”
Stepping into real masculinity, not performative strength

Faith, Reflection and Slowing Down

Losing belief in God – and slowly finding it again
How faith helps him see beauty in difference
Letting go of judgement and control

Mentors, Father Figures and Role Models

The influence of his grandad and Gaz Greenwood
Learning discipline, respect, and how to carry yourself
The power of being held to a high standard

Leadership, Identity and the Work Ahead

Learning to lead without anger
Understanding himself through CliftonStrengths
Starting to feel free to be himself again at Wigan
Looking ahead to life after rugby: speaking, coaching, and helping others

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