🏉 Welcome to Chiming In

Ben Lovett joins the show to share his powerful rugby league journey, from growing up in Parkes and chasing an NRL dream, to breaking through at South Sydney before a devastating knee injury changed everything.

Ben opens up on the physical and emotional reality of rehabilitation, being advised to medically retire, the support of his family and South Sydney, and finding a new purpose through coaching, community work and mentoring young players.

⏱️ TIMECODES

0:00 — Welcome to Chiming In

2:20 — Growing up in Parkes, sport and a love of rugby league

6:00 — Being spotted and moving to Sydney to chase the dream

11:30 — Finding his feet at South Sydney

20:00 — Working through the grades and earning his opportunity

24:20 — NRL debut, family support and Sam Burgess’ influence

26:30 — The NSW Cup grand final and the devastating knee injury

30:15 — Diagnosis, surgery and the long rehabilitation process

33:20 — When medical retirement became a real possibility

35:10 — Souths Cares, community work and finding purpose during rehab

37:00 — Wayne Bennett’s difficult but honest retirement conversation

40:00 — Trying to return, telling his family and accepting the decision

42:00 — Transitioning into coaching at South Sydney

45:40 — Mentoring young players and life in the player house

50:30 — Mental health, grief and asking for support

52:00 — Ben’s advice for young players and parents

54:10 — Living without regret and looking ahead

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