Jodie Broughton interview

In Rugby League, players will earn in a year what some footballers receive in a week. Building for the future after hanging up your boots is crucial. Some players will either go into coaching or work in the media. For others, going into a completely different working environment is the only other option.

Huddersfield Giants winger, Jodie Broughton is someone who is already planning ahead after his playing days. The 26-year old is currently working part-time as a quantity surveyor for Wates. Something he’s been involved with from the age of 18.

“I was playing rugby for Leeds scholars, I played in a few trial games and then I got asked to sign for the Leeds academy. At the same time I was studying at 6^th form which was what I always wanted to do, learn and go on to do a degree.” He explained. “I just finished 6^th form and I was applying for jobs and apprenticeships at the time and Wates offered me a job interview as part of a learn and earn scheme, so I was doing that when I left 6^th form.”

Despite his keen interest in his part-time job, Rugby League always surrounded him. His dad, an ex-player himself, helped Jodie understand the game from a young age: “My dad used to play so when I was growing up I always knew how to play rugby. I first started playing when I was about nine. But because I already knew the game it gave me a head start.”

Broughton is well-known in the sport for his blistering pace down the wing which earned him the title of the ‘Fastest Man in Super League’ in 2011. At a time which saw him gain some recognition from England coach, Steve McNamara.

“It was unbelievable, it was my first year at Salford as well so I never thought something like that would happen. I just couldn’t believe it when Steve McNamara gave me a call to tell me that I was going to be in the training squad. I didn’t go to Australia with the squad for the Four Nations that year but it was still a good experience.”

The former Leeds academy product experienced some highs and lows in his time at Salford, particularly when administration was looming: “It was the worst point in my career, for everyone at the club it was the same every day wondering whether we’ll be paid or not which was a big weight on everyone’s shoulders.”

2013 saw the recently rebranded Salford Red Devils rescued by Marwan Koukash. Despite a lot of positivity off the field, on it, Salford finished bottom of the pile and Broughton decided to return back to West Yorkshire to sign for Huddersfield.

“I just felt it was the right time to have a change in my career, also it’s close to where I live and work so travelling every day isn’t too much of an issue whereas when I was at Salford, I’d be travelling from Leeds every day for training and games.”

Balancing being a professional Rugby League player and working as a quantity surveyor isn’t easy, but Broughton believes he has the right balance: “I have a certain amount of hours every week for the job at Wates so I can balance the two. It works around rugby which is great, particularly if I’ve got a day off. But I do make sure I’m not constantly working too.”

A career in sport isn’t something that people can do until they’re 65. In a salary cap sport, money doesn’t last forever. It’s important players begin to plan for life after playing as early as they can.