Ryan Girdler is a former Australian professional rugby league player turned sports commentator, television presenter, and motivational speaker.

Born in Bathurst, New South Wales, Ryan is one of the most respected and beloved figures in Australian rugby league. Growing up in Bathurst, Ryan began playing rugby league at a young age, and quickly showed a natural talent for the sport. He made his professional debut for the Penrith Panthers in 1993, and went on to become one of the club’s greatest players. Over the course of his career, Ryan played in over 250 NRL matches, scoring more than 1,500 points and earning a reputation as one of the most reliable and consistent players in the league.

Ryan’s playing career was marked by a number of notable achievements. In 2003, he led the Penrith Panthers to their first NRL premiership in 11 years, and was named the Clive Churchill Medallist as the best player in the Grand Final. He also represented New South Wales in State of Origin matches on 17 occasions, and played for the Australian national team in 10 test matches.

After retiring from professional rugby league in 2005, Ryan made the transition to sports media. He worked as a commentator and analyst for the Nine Network, and quickly established himself as one of the most insightful and knowledgeable voices in the game. He also hosted his own television show, The Sunday Footy Show, and appeared as a regular guest on various other programs.

In addition to his work in sports media, Ryan is also a highly sought-after motivational speaker. He draws on his experiences as a professional athlete to deliver inspiring and impactful presentations on topics such as leadership, teamwork, and overcoming adversity. He has spoken to audiences of all sizes, from small corporate events to large-scale conferences and seminars.

Ryan’s success as a speaker is a testament to his unique combination of charisma, wisdom, and genuine passion for helping others. He is known for his ability to connect with audiences on a personal level, and to inspire them to achieve their own goals and aspirations. His message is one of resilience, determination, and the power of teamwork to achieve greatness.

In recent years, Ryan has also become involved in various philanthropic endeavours. He has worked with organisations such as the McGrath Foundation and the Starlight Children’s Foundation, and has used his public profile to raise awareness and funds for a range of important causes. He is a passionate advocate for cancer research and support, and has been recognised for his contributions to the community with various awards and accolades.

Despite his many achievements, Ryan remains humble and grounded, and is known for his genuine love of the game of rugby league. He continues to work as a commentator and presenter, and is also involved in various coaching and mentoring roles, helping to develop the next generation of rugby league stars.

Overall, Ryan Girdler is a true icon of Australian sport, and a role model to countless fans and aspiring athletes. His legacy is one of hard work, dedication, and a deep commitment to excellence both on and off the field. Whether as a player, a commentator, a speaker, or a philanthropist, he has made an indelible mark on the world of rugby league, and his influence will continue to be felt for many years to come.