Tackling business, on and off the field

For most people, juggling a couple of jobs can be tricky.

But for pro rugby league player Samantha Bremner it seems that would never be enough. 

The two-time Women's Rugby League World Cup winner captains the women’s national rugby league team, the Australian Jillaroos; the St.George Illawarra Dragons; and her local team, the Helensburgh Tiger Lillies; and has represented NSW since her debut in 2011.

And when the 27-year-old is not on the football field, she runs her own personal training business, BCC Fitness.

“The best thing I’ve learnt about myself and others is when I’m enjoying myself, I’m the best version of myself,” says the energetic fullback, selected for last year’s first ever Women’s State of Origin clash and NRL competition.

“When I’m enjoying myself playing rugby league, I play the best rugby league. And it’s the same at work.”

Bremner says the idea for her fitness business was sparked when she was training friends “for free, on the side” at a local oval. Three years on, she has 60 clients and runs more than 20 classes a week out of the Helensburgh Tigers clubhouse, an hour south of Sydney.

“It took probably six months or so to get everything together and I’ve gradually been able to buy the equipment for the clients to use in the gym and just bit by bit, making it bigger and better.”

The key for Bremner to managing her hectic schedule as a professional athlete and business owner is to “have everything well-balanced”, including a healthy marriage and long-term friendships. She says this has helped her get through some “real downs”, such as injuries which have seen her sidelined from key football matches. 

“I'm so glad that I took the time out to invest in those things as much as I invested in my rugby league.”

She admits it’s also been made easier by having understanding clients, some even travelling to watch her play.

“I’ve really managed to…surround myself with really supportive people who encourage me to keep following my dreams. Having everything else well-balanced, that's really saved me.”

Bremner’s schedule is about to become even busier, recently announcing she is expecting her first child. 

“The most exciting part is the best is yet to come.”