Congratulations to Manly Warringah Sea Eagles forward Corey Waddell on being nominated for the upcoming League Ahead Academic Excellence Awards as Entrepreneur of the Year.
The annual League Ahead Awards celebrate academic achievement, leadership and excellence across the NRL and NRLW competitions with recipients to be honoured at the annual Wellbeing and Education Awards Night.
Waddell, who is entering his ninth season in the NRL and sixth at the Sea Eagles, has demonstrated his business flare as the founder of popular startup, Corey Eats.
Corey Eats is a health, nutrition and lifestyle venture that combines Corey's passion for cooking with his experience as a professional athlete.
Developed alongside his NRL career, the business aims to make healthy eating more accessible, practical and enjoyable, helping everyday people develop better nutritional habits without making food and cooking overly complicated.
What started as a sideline hobby is fast becoming a leading social media platform for foodies, wannabe chefs, and those simply looking for healthy and easy eating alternatives.
“It all started a few years ago when I began posting regular dinner meals on Instagram, and it’s grown from there,” Corey said.
Cooking and eating healthy food has always been a passion of mine and people seemed to be loving the weekly meal ideas, so I kept it going.
Corey Waddell
More than simply promoting a healthy lifestyle, Corey is building his business from personal experience.
As a qualified nutritionist (NCA), he brings both professional knowledge and first-hand understanding of the challenges athletes face when balancing training, recovery and nutrition.
While Corey’s plate is pretty full focussing on footy and juggling his hobby, he does believe it’s good for athletes to have outside interests.
“I think it’s super important to have an interest or hobby outside of footy because mentally it can be pretty heavy,” he said.
“I hope I’m an example to our younger players, showing them that it’s okay to have outside interests. It’s important when you’re not in training to have a break, I know it helps my performance.
“Providing nutritional information or mindset advice to some of the younger Manly players is also an interest of mine.
“If I can help them make healthier choices and become better athletes then it’s going to help them come through the grades and help Manly succeed in the long run.
"Both Manly and the NRL have been very supportive."
Corey Eats is a great example of a professional footballer developing interests and business opportunities beyond his playing career, demonstrating initiative, entrepreneurial thinking and a commitment to life after football.
Not content for his hobby to become just ‘a flash in the pan’, Corey is keen to set up culinary career opportunities when the time comes to hang up the boots.
“Right now, my priority is helping Manly succeed and to become the very best player I can be,” Corey said.
“Down the track though I can see myself taking Corey Eats to the next level.
“It’s something I enjoy, and I think it’s relatable to everyone. I’m keen to see what the future holds.”
