Three little reasons why Sydney Roosters fullback Sam Bremner will retire for good after the NRLW grand final
She famously came out of retirement as a favour to Sydney Roosters coach John Strange, but star Sam Bremner says she’s ready to walk away for good after the 2024 grand final.
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It takes a village to get Sydney Roosters fullback Sam Bremner on the field every week but it’s a sacrifice the mum of three no longer wants to make.
After coming out of retirement for a swan song season with the Roosters as a favour to coach John Strange, the 32-year-old is on the cusp of achieving the elusive NRLW premiership to complete her bucket list.
A pioneer of women’s football and still one of the fittest players in the competition despite missing the entire pre-season, Bremner plays like she has a decade left in her career.
But ahead of her first grand final in four NRLW seasons, Bremner has spoken about why she’s giving the game away to be with her children Reef, Lakey and Cali.
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“I love footy. I love running out. I love playing. But I’ve had like 15 years of doing this and footy has always been No.1. And it’s not No.1 for me anymore,” she says.
“I’ve got a family. I’ve got three kids and I want to be there when my kids are playing sport and I want to be there at drop off and pick up for school, and I want to tuck them in bed night.”
Words of advice from her husband Wayne encouraged her to come out of retirement with the Roosters after fullback Corban Baxter suffered an ACL injury in the pre-season.
“I said no to start with because it felt really weird to come back when I was so happy not doing it,” she says.
“But after a couple of nos, for some reason my husband sort of was like, ‘Why not?’
“This could be your chance to win a premiership.
“And I’m so thankful I said yes because now I get to be a part of grand final week.”
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She would be lost without his support.
“He can’t see his friends, can’t do anything for himself because he’s always looking after the kids,” she continues.
“He never ever complains. He would love it if I said I’m going play for another five years, but I don’t want that.
“I want to be at home with my family but still drive this game forward in a different capacity.”
Ironically, her next job will be selecting the next St George Illawarra head coach to replace Jamie Soward.
She’s accepted a role as head of female football at the club where she made her NRLW debut in 2018, taking charge of the pathways and coaching structure as well as the development of talent.
The role starts on November 1 and follows another title for the club after the Steelers won the NSW women’s premiership over the weekend.
“I always want to be a part of women’s rugby league, just not as a player anymore,” she says.
“I’m sure I’ll miss being a player, but I’ll be able to help girls feel what I’m feeling right now and that’s so much excitement and pride in the game.”
Originally published as Three little reasons why Sydney Roosters fullback Sam Bremner will retire for good after the NRLW grand final
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