NRL tycoons: The barbers, designers and real estate moguls at your club

Jason Saab’s plans for post-footy life include a focus on offering kids in rural areas a chance to sharpen their rugby league skills. Check out a list of NRL businesses powerhouses inside.

Manly speedster Jason Saab is ready to sprint into post-footy life.

Saab, who has been clocked at a top speed of 37.11km/h on an NRL field, has revealed plans to start-up speed camps for teenagers in metropolitan and rural areas.

Aware how some bush folk can struggle financially, Saab won’t charge the parents of kids living in country regions.

Saab has tentatively booked his opening camps for Wednesday, October 9, and Friday, October 11, this year. He has several options but hasn’t yet settled on a name for his business.

“We’ll find a cool name, don’t worry,” said Saab, who is out injured but hopes to return for Manly in round 7.

Saab wants to teach kids the mechanics of running and how to implement that speed in sporting codes, particular rugby league.

“Obviously, being Mr Fast Guy in rugby league, I’ve probably got something to offer when it comes to speed, and how to use your speed in rugby league; using it as a strength is probably my best weapon,” he said.

“It would be a good way to engage with the community and, if plans go well, then get out to rural areas where they don’t have that type of engagement with footy players.

“I also want to find a way to get a charity involved like Bear Cottage or Ronald McDonald House. It’s obviously a business and it could be something I transition into after footy but at the same time I want to give back as well.

“It’s not all about me being greedy and taking money from the kid’s parents. There could be a bit in it for everyone – the charity, kids, community and myself.”

UNIVERSE 7 LIFTS OFF

Penrith superstars Jarome Luai and Brian To’o want to show the next generation in Western Sydney that there are more ways to make money than playing football or selling drugs.

Like starting a business.

The three-time premiership-winning duo will a major step in that direction next week when the first drop from their new clothing label – Universe 7 – goes online.

They’re the latest in a growing list of NRL stars, including Josh Addo-Carr and Latrell Mitchell, to dabble in the fashion universe.

But their inspiration is narrow.

“That’s a motivation for us, to inspire kids and people where we are from,” Luai said.

“Growing up, you hear it all the time. You get told, ‘The only way you can make money is footy or drugs’. Back in those days they were the main things you hear.

“This is why we are here, to inspire our families and the next generation to let them know there are other ways to make money and make something out of yourself.

“It’s not a two-way path. There are a lot of options out there if you can find the right people to be around. Keep your head down, stay motivated and you can achieve your dreams.”

But Universe 7 is not just about inspiring others, it’s a way for the teammates to remain bonded once Luai jumps ship to the Wests Tigers next season.

That bond, and the importance of community, was the inspiration behind the name Universe 7, which is one of 12 celestial bodies that make up the popular cartoon show Dragon Ball Z.

The first release will feature three different T-shirt designs, part of a limited edition collection.

The best friends have made their mark on the field, helping deliver Penrith three straight titles and four consecutive grand finals, and Luai believes they can be a force in business off it.

“We’re creative in different ways,” Luai said.

“I’m more book smart, where Bizza is really good with content and social media ideas.

“You need to have a good social media presence and Bizza is definitely that guy. We’re a pretty powerful combo in terms of business.”

COWBOYS HIT THE COURSE

Exclusivity is also the hallmark of the Player’s Club, a golf apparel company, created by North Queensland stars Chad Townsend, Valentine Holmes and Scott Drinkwater.

As well as offering a trendy selection of golf apparel, Player’s Club offers 200 memberships, which cost around $110 per year.

Membership perks include the chance to win meet and greet experiences.

Like Luai and To’o, the Cowboys trio have leveraged their passions, this time golf, through a business venture, which began 18 months ago.

It has proven a hit with golfers across the country with multiple releases, which feature fresh and bold choices, selling out.

The latest collection was designed to harness the popularity of the Masters Tournament and is themed around the famed ‘green jacket’, which is awarded to the winner.

“With the Masters, we’ve just dropped a line called Club Championship,” Townsend said.

“You know, there’s a lot of guys over in America who are changing the game with regards to being a bit louder … the introduction of LIV over there and the colours that they’re wearing, there’s more personality.”

After three successful collections last year, the plan is to drop four lines in 2024.

“We wanted to design things we would wear as well and implement some colours which we think are cool and trendy, and yeah, they’ve taken off really well,” Townsend said.

The Cowboys teammates plan to dedicate more of their time to the flourishing business post their football careers.

In the meantime, the players find the time to grow their business in airport lounges and in between training sessions.

“We travel for 12 away games a year so we’re on the road a lot and it’s been great for us to sit in an airport lounge and have a coffee and just talk about designs or what we think would work and just make use of that time in a productive way,” Townsend said.

Originally published as NRL tycoons: The barbers, designers and real estate moguls at your club