My Favourite Spots Around Australia and Beyond

One thing footy gives you, whether you like it or not, is travel. You’re in and out of airports all season, living out of a suitcase. Some trips blend together, but a few places always stand out.

After playing for the Broncos, representing New Zealand, and now spending time coaching and mentoring, I’ve been lucky enough to see a fair bit of Australia and beyond. These days, I’m not rushing from captain’s run to recovery, which makes travelling a lot more enjoyable.

Here are a few spots that have stuck with me over the years.

Gold Coast

These days, I spend most of my time on the Gold Coast, and I get why so many people end up here. Amazing weather, plenty of space, and everything’s close. It’s an amazing place to train – workouts or runs along the beach are the best.

Life has slowed down since my playing days and it’s a great place to live and enjoy with my family.

Auckland

Auckland will always be home. That’s where I’m from and where it all started. No matter how long you’re away, going back there feels familiar straight away.

Playing in Auckland, especially with the Kiwis, always meant a bit more. You’ve got family around, people who’ve known you since before footy, and that extra bit of noise when you run out.

Off the field, Auckland’s easy, apart from the traffic. Good food (best pies!), beaches close by, and people who keep you grounded. It’s a good reset.

Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Rarotonga is a different kind of favourite. It’s not about stadiums or big crowds. It’s about switching off.

I’ve spoken about it before, but going back to the Cook Islands is a way for me to reconnect with my family, my culture. It’s quiet, it’s relaxed, and it’s a long way from the noise of footy. That’s the appeal.

These days, with coaching and mentoring, it’s also about giving back where I can. Helping the next generation, staying connected, and remembering where you come from. It’s not a holiday spot in the usual sense. It’s just home in a different way.

Brisbane

Brisbane will always be special. It became home when I was still a kid trying to find my feet. Playing at Suncorp Stadium is still one of the best experiences in the game when it’s full and the Broncos are up and about.

Off the field, Brisbane’s easy to live in. South Bank, the river, good food spots, and a pace that suits footy life. It’s a city where you can train hard, recover properly, and still enjoy yourself without getting caught up in too much.

It’s no surprise so many players stay there long after they’re done.

Melbourne

Melbourne was always one of the better away trips. I wouldn’t say playing the Storm at AAMI Park was always my favourite, but off the field, Melbourne’s hard to beat.

The food and coffee are as good as people say. Even with limited time, you could always find somewhere decent to eat or just go for a walk and clear your head. It’s a city that feels different, especially compared to Brisbane or the GC and that’s why players enjoy going there.

Sydney

Sydney trips always felt big. No matter who you were playing, there was usually a bit of edge to it. Different stadiums, big crowds, plenty of noise.

Off the field, Sydney’s all about food. You didn’t need to do much else. Good feed, coffee, back to the hotel. Simple. Busy city, but if you know where to go, it’s a good one.

What Actually Sticks With You

When I look back now, it’s not really the games or stadiums I think about first. It’s the time with teammates. Team dinners. Long chats. Killing time on walks around cities you didn’t know that well.

Now that I’m not playing, travel feels different. No schedules, no recovery windows, no team meetings. Just enjoying places for what they are.

Footy took me to a lot of places. Some I loved, some not as much. But a few stick with you, and I’m lucky to have a list that stretches well beyond just one city or one country.