Whai by Korey Gibson

After months of prep, an exam, orientation day, and a live panel interview — I’m officially an accredited NRL Player Agent.

Took the call Tuesday morning from the NRL. Still feels surreal.

I retired from playing at 22. Played senior footy from 15, Lion Red Cup at 17 for the Taranaki Rockets, NZ Schoolboys, Illawarra Steelers scholarship, signed with the Warriors during the Super League wars, England, Queensland Cup — then stretchered off, burned out and bitter. Spent years in boxing and MMA before life moved on.

Didn’t think I’d ever come back to the game despite my love for it.

But after a couple of seasons teaching wrestling for rugby league at Canterbury Rugby League and after a couple of parents approached Tessa and basically said — “if Korey was an agent, we’d sign with him.” That hit differently.

My own experience with player management wasn’t great. I know firsthand what it looks like when young players don’t have the right people in their corner. That’s what this is really about for me.

Not just contracts. Not just recruitment. But helping young athletes navigate pressure, build identity beyond sport, understand what professionalism actually looks like — and become strong individuals, parents and leaders long after footy finishes.

New Zealand has unreal talent. I’ve seen it my whole life — Taranaki, Canterbury, throughout our kura kaupapa communities. So much of it goes undeveloped without the right guidance around it.

Sporting careers come and go. Who you become as a person lasts forever. That’s the part I care about most.

Excited for what’s ahead.

Thank you Tess, my whānau and besties for the support and encouragement throughout. Maunga aroha 🫶🏽

Standby for Peak Nation Player Management.