A former NRL and Rugby Union player, Sam has represented his homeland, England in both codes. Sam is a Premiership winning player and a Clive Churchill Medallist, who also captained both club and country. He was known as one of rugby leagues most elite players until a shoulder injury forced him to retire at the end of 2019.

Arriving to the Orara Valley Axemen as Head Coach in 2022, his aim is not only to motivate and coach a successful team to victory, but to inspire the return of grass roots footy within the community. Sam hopes to enrich the valley with the spirit he has for the game and to make the sporting club a base for the community, to not only embrace but be proud of.

Meet Ladies League Tag Coach Loretta Donovan

In 2017, along- side my partner John Thaiday, I began my first year of involvement with the Macksville Sea Eagles RLFC as the Reserve Grade Manager; the opportunity allowed me to apply my vision and knowledge of the game to young inspiring Men. As the first Women to be part of the Group 2 Coaching Staff, it has given me confidence and have inspired other women to follow. Not only to give to others but to learn from the players and coaches themselves.

The game of Rugby League is growing at the grass-roots level, and the talent we have in the Coffs Region, is fantastic. To observe and nurture our own players and mould them into amazing Athletes is a passion of mine; mentoring young women to better themselves, to supporting and creating a positive environment for these women in particular, is a goal I intend to achieve.