On episode 16 of Behind The Roar we chat with Wests Tigers inaugural NRLW coach Brett Kimmorley following the team’s first week of pre-season training.
Behind The Roar is available on Apple, Spotify and YouTube.
Kimmorley knows a thing or two about the game having played 307 NRL games over 16 seasons for six different clubs, as well as 10 Origin games for NSW and 22 appearances for the Kangaroos.
We cover plenty of ground in 60 minutes and a range of topics, including Wests Tigers’ agonising loss to the Raiders at Campbelltown, and whether the rule protecting kickers has gone too far.
We also chat about what needs to be done on the Gold Coast this week to stop the Titans, and how in a game off inches, when the opportunities come, you must take them.
When you do create momentum, you have got to play footy.
Brett Kimmorley
Noddy talks about the 'learnings' he’s taken from his role as interim NRL coach last season, and how it can help him in his new role with the NRLW team.
He also chats about how being a father of four girls helps him connect with his 28-strong female squad.
We touch on Origin II and the likely options for the Blues following Nathan Cleary’s injury.
We also reflect on the first game of the Women’s Origin series, which involved Wests Tigers NRLW players Kezie Apps and Sarah Togatuki.
When asked about his best moment in rugby league, he needs only a split second to answer.
"Without a doubt, winning the '99 NRL Grand Final," said Kimmorley.
“The flight home was great, sitting with the captain in the cockpit of our plane, beer in hand, metal blasting, and a couple days of partying in Melbourne."
Kimmorley also talks openly about how rugby league put its arms around him and his daughters in a time of need, when six years ago he lost his wife Sharnie to brain cancer.
As we move closer to Beanie for Brain Cancer Round, when the rugby league community rallies to support the Mark Hughes Foundation, Kimmorley offers some advice to others who may be grieving the loss of a loved one.
"Don’t bottle it up. It’s important to have good people around you and to share your emotions," he says.
I try and live each day and express myself better, and I look at life a lot differently.
Brett Kimmorley
Noddy also recounts his NRL debut with the Knights at Marathon Stadium, with Andrew and Matty Johns in the halves, and Paul ‘Chief’ Harragon leading the team up front.
“Chief also played at Lakes United where my dad was a coach,” said Kimmorley.
“I used to run the sand and ball boy for his team so to be playing alongside a childhood idol was something special.”
And Noddy’s favourite player growing up? It might surprise you to learn it is a former Rabbitoh, also a cheeky number seven.
All that and more on this week’s Behind The Roar.
