Norths Devils winger Luke Archer joins Ian Apps on the Intrust Super Cup-dedicated podcast Left Field to chat about the ups and downs in his life that led him to where he is today.
Archer has a fascinating back story, which involves a tough upbringing, drugs and partying too hard, and is keen to share his perspective on the keys to overcoming challenges and succeeding.
Archer debuted in the Intrust Super Cup for Souths Logan Magpies in 2007 - against Norths Devils. At the time, he was an "immature, ego-driven, self-centred 22-year-old" who had dreams of playing in the NRL and the world at his feet.
Now, at 34, he is a loving dad, who his children Isabella, 4, and Noah, 2, can trust - someone completely different to the person he would have become had he not met his much-loved wife Rachael Archer.
"I am grateful for what I've been through in my life.... it has made me who I am today," Archer said.
"I am proud of who I am today."
Archer said when he was younger, he "had dreams to play NRL, and was learning what it takes to get there... I was on the cusp of playing and didn't make the leap", admitting it was a tough pill to swallow.
"At the time my whole identity was wrapped up in making it, as opposed to enjoying the game, which is what it's all about," Archer said.
Archer said to his younger self, "everything will work out the way it should... you don't always need to push - allow things to be the way they are".
"I personally believe I have had these experiences for a reason," Archer, now a wellbeing and education operations manager at Queensland Rugby League, said.
"As a player I needed to learn how to get the most enjoyment out of the game at the level I was at."
Listening on the Intrust Super Cup app? You'll need to click here.
The podcast is available on Spotify; and through iTunes.
