Year 8 Joe-Boys heard a powerful wellbeing message from retired Rabbitohs player Ben Lovett, whose story of injury, resilience and renewal gave real weight to the College’s peer support program. Ben’s journey from the small country town of Parkes to the South Sydney Rabbitohs, and then into coaching after medical retirement, offered students a clear example of how purpose can grow even after disappointment.
Leader of Year 8 Wellbeing & Formation, Ms Angela Menassa, opened the session by asking 160 students to reflect on challenges they may have faced, such as homesickness, disappointment, injury or starting somewhere new. She explained that resilience is “the capacity to overcome difficulties, adapt to change, bounce back” and reminded Joe-Boys that it is not about “pushing down your feelings” or “going through things alone”.
Ms Menassa also highlighted the importance of peer support. She emphasised that resilience “isn’t something you are born with” but “you can learn these strategies”, referencing Dr Lucy Hone’s research on resilient thinking. Her message set up Ben’s story perfectly, showing that resilience is built through practice, reflection and the support of others.
Ben then spoke honestly about his own path, from growing up in Parkes with a love of rugby league to making his NRL debut for South Sydney in 2022. He shared how injuries, COVID disruptions and a serious knee injury forced him to rethink everything he had planned. “I was never really the strongest or the fastest,” he said, “but I wanted to be the best I could be”. He told the boys, “Back yourself,” and encouraged them to choose the right people to listen to.
What made Ben’s story especially powerful for the Year 8 cohort was his transition from player to mentor. Instead of seeing giving up playing rugby league as an ending, he described how he found meaning through coaching, mentoring and community work, including his roles with the Jersey Flegg squad, house mentoring and wellbeing support. “This is now my purpose,” he said, reflecting on the chance to help younger players chase their own dreams.
Ben’s message landed strongly with the students because it showed that setbacks do not cancel out future success; sometimes they redirect it, opening doors to new opportunities. Ms Menassa reinforced that point by reminding the boys that resilience means learning to respond, not react, and continuing to grow through difficult moments. Together, their message gave Year 8 a practical and encouraging lesson in self-belief, support systems and finding purpose when plans change.
Messages: Know yourself. Back yourself. Choose good people. Ask for help. And continue to strive for better things.
Published August 2026.
