When not laying down the platform for his outside backs, Lindsay Collins is building the foundations for his future career aspirations.
Since his days in the National Youth Competition, Collins has had a focus on his tertiary education, tried a multitude of avenues and is now nearing the completion of his Certificate III in Carpentry while also completing a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Property.
While taking hit ups from the back fence and slogging it out through the middle third of the field would be more than enough work for your average NRL forward, the 26-year-old says he's thriving with the added responsibilities.
“It’s been good, and it’s been challenging,” Collins said.
“I’m still chipping away at different little things and finding avenues with carpentry and now studying as well, it’s been a good process.
On Site With Lindsay Collins
“I’m currently studying a bachelor in business majoring in property. It covers a broad range around everything around property and construction which is still a continuation from the avenue of carpentry.
“I’m also doing my cert IV in building, little crash courses and seminars here and there as well, and just building a foundation and base of knowledge.
“Obviously trying to fit it into the schedule, it’s been long as well but it’s always good when you go out on-site and get a bit more than just a couple of hours on and get a bit of momentum going.
“It’s enjoyable as silly as it sounds. It’s that separation from football and a bit more normality as well. You can put your focus elsewhere apart from just Rugby League full-time.”
I’m really grateful for footy in a way because I still don’t know what I want to do, and footy has given me a bit more time to think.
Lindsay Collins
Juggling his ACL rehabilitation early in the year alongside his State of Origin commitments and now two months in England for the Rugby League World Cup, it's fair to say that Collins has had his schedule filled to the brim throughout 2022.
But that still hasn't prevented him from regularly going to job sites and getting on the tools or attending university - and the hulking front rower says that his support network, and the Sydney Roosters, have been paramount.
“This year I put myself under a little bit of stress to find some time on site and balancing uni and full-time training as well, but I feel like I handled it really well," he said.
“A lot of it is just scheduling out my day and trying to fit an hour here and an hour there. The guys at MIBT (Masters in Building Trading) have been really helpful with fitting me in around my training as well as Western Sydney University for allowing me to have access to tutorials when I haven’t been there.
“When you’ve got a good support group around you like that to help you achieve life after football it makes things a lot easier as well.”
In contrast, Collins is also grateful for the breathing room his Rugby League career has given him, allowing him to methodically plan out his fledgling career ambitions.
“I’m really grateful for footy in a way because I still don’t know what I want to do, and footy has given me a bit more time to think,” he admitted.
“People straight out of school have had ten years to build up a career and when we’ve had ten years to build a career in football, but when it’s over you’re basically starting from zero again.
“Footy has given me that time to think and try different things as well but the point I made about scheduling before and fitting things in, it’s a good skill to have especially when life will transition.
“If you can do that throughout your whole career instead of cramming it at the end and feeling rushed, it makes things a lot easier as well.
“It is exciting to look at that second chapter of life and what it looks like as well. It’s a new challenge and I look forward to it when that time comes.”
