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Mike Tookey Charity Walk: https://m-bracethemagic.gofundraise.com.au/page/MarkTookey

Mike Tookey Business: https://www.bigtookssports.com.au/

Episode Summary:

Some stories go beyond sport; this is one of them. Ian Hawkins sits down with former NRL hardman Mark Tookey; better known as “Big Tooks”; to unpack a journey that spans elite rugby league, personal loss, and a life now driven by purpose. From his rise through the Parramatta Eels and New Zealand Warriors, including a grand final run, to the raw reality of transitioning out of professional sport, Tookey shares what really happens when the crowd fades and identity shifts.

But it’s what came next that defines this conversation. Through experiences with mental health, losing loved ones to suicide, and raising a daughter with cerebral palsy, Tookey has built a life centred on impact. From running marathons and community events to supporting disability programs and educating sports parents, his message is simple but powerful; remove limits, take action, and give back. This episode blends humour, honesty, and heart, leaving you with a clear reminder that high performance isn’t just about what you achieve; it’s about how you show up for others.

About the Guest:

Mark Tookey

Professional NRL player

Mark “Big Tooks” Tookey is a former professional NRL player, community leader and passionate mental health and inclusion advocate. A retired prop forward, Tooks played at the highest level with the South Queensland Crushers, the Parramatta Eels and the One NZ Warriors, where he was part of the squad that reached the 2002 NRL Grand Final. He later continued his professional career in the UK with the Castleford Tigers and London Broncos.

Since retiring, Tooks has dedicated his life to giving back, working as an assistant coach for the Tongan National Team, a Development Officer with the Canberra Raiders and now as the recently appointed Community Manager for the One NZ Warriors in Logan, where his focus is connection, inclusion and wellbeing through sport.

Mental health and inclusivity are deeply personal to Tooks. Having lost his brother and a close friend, he understands firsthand the impact of mental health challenges and the importance of early support and open conversations. As a father to a daughter living with cerebral palsy and with lived experience of disability and vision impairment within his close family and friendship circles, Tooks is a strong advocate for inclusion, accessibility and community connection. Through Big Tooks Sports events, community volunteering, charity walks and conversations as a guest speaker and podcast contributor, his mission is simple: show up, speak up and remind people they’re not alone.

Links:/

Company Website: https://www.bigtookssports.com.au/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.tookey.2025/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-tookey-b2985780/

About the Host:

Ian Hawkins is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.

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