Lachlan Croker is showing the same determination that saw him become Manly’s number one hooker to an exciting new club role.
A humble young man who has experienced more than his fair share of injuries and challenges in his 82 first grade games, Croker has found another passion as Manly’s NRL Education Ambassador.
And the Sea Eagles' 2022 Player of the Year is wasting little time getting into the hard work.
Following a gruelling first week of pre-season training, Croker was back at 4 Pines Park last Saturday helping educate the club’s new crop of potential stars in the 2023 Harold Matthews (U17) and Tarsha Gale Cup women’s (U19) squads.
He will also help deliver the Wellbeing and Education program to Manly’s SG Ball (U19) and Jersey Flegg (U21) teams in coming weeks
Through Manly’s Wellbeing and Education workshops, Croker provides education and insight into what it takes to become an NRL player, the expectations around team culture and behaviour, as well as seizing on the opportunities provided by the club through the Wellbeing program.
Croker, who is undertaking a criminology degree and a sports science degree at the same time, said he was honoured to be the club’s Education Ambassador.
I just talk to them about what life looks like as a young player and the tough years ahead before you make the NRL
Lachlan Croker
“When you are young, you just think you are going to be a full-time player and life is sweet. It doesn’t work out like that for many.
“We speak about the opportunities that our club can now provide young players in terms of education, study and work options. The RLPA, the NRL and the clubs have come a long way in providing opportunities for players to do these things.
“It doesn’t seem that long ago I was sitting where these kids are now. I started studying when I was a young player at the Canberra Raiders, and I hated it.
“I didn’t want anything to do with it, and that was fine because it's all part of growing up.
“When I was 17, I thought I was going to play 300 games and captain the Raiders one day. I never thought I even leave there, or live anywhere else. For then everything to be turned upside down, it was daunting.
“A couple of years ago, I realised my journey might not be going the way I planned it. For a 22-year-old, it was a scary thought knowing that my career might be over before it even began.
“To now be able to have something behind me is incredible. The opportunities that the club provides players with degree courses, and providing things like tutors, is amazing. Players today are mad not to look into it.
“For me, if I can get one or two points across to these young players through this role, then that’s a win. I’m privileged to be able to do this.”
