South Sydney Rabbitohs unveil their spiritual secret weapon for NRL success, Camden pastor and former first grade star Paul Stevens

When the Cronulla Sharks beat the Melbourne Storm to claim their first ever NRL premiership last year, the win was even more special for Gregory Hills’ Lifehouse Church pastor Paul Stevens.

Camden pastor Paul Stevens has taken a role as the South Sydney Rabbitohs’ health and wellbeing adviser. Picture: Carmela Roche

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WHEN the Cronulla Sharks beat the Melbourne Storm to claim their first ever NRL premiership last year, the win was even more special for Gregory Hills’ Lifehouse Church pastor Paul Stevens.

Mr Stevens, of Camden, watched with pride as Sharks second rower Jayson Bukuya, who is also a Fiji International, helped his side to win their maiden NRL title in 2016.

He had first met Buyuka when the rising young star was 16 and had come down from Queensland to play for the Sharks but was on the verge of quitting due to homesickness.

Mr Stevens was a sports chaplain with the Sharks and, as a former NRL player himself, for the Sharks and the St George Dragons, he knew the pressures of the game and the importance of looking after the players’ wellbeing.

“Jayson was playing well but he was missing his family, his mum, brothers and sisters,’’ Mr Stevens said.

Camden pastor Paul Stevens pictured during his playing days at the Cronulla Sharks.

Former Cronulla player turned Pastor Paul Stevens, of the LifeHouse Church at Gregory Hills. Picture: Bob Barker

“I took him out for milkshakes and told him to never give up.’’

Mr Stevens said he was humbled when Buyuka thanked him for his mentoring support and the positive impression he made on the then teenager.

“I’m so proud of Jayson and the team. They were the underdogs (in the grand final) and they never gave up,’’ he said.

The Sharks hold a special place in his heart as both Mr Stevens and his brother Jason played for the side.

Mr Steven has recently taken on a role as a sports chaplain with the South Sydney Rabbitohs’ health and wellbeing team.

He describes his pastoral role as the players’ spiritual coach, their spiritual trainer.

Mr Stevens was invited to join the Rabbitohs at the urging of general manager Shane Richardson, who he knew from his days at the Sharks.

“I focus on the emotional side of the players’ wellbeing and it’s just as important as the physical side to get the best out of them,’’ he said.

“It’s part of a wholistic view.’’

Mr Stevens’ role is to help the players cope with the pressures of life and the demands of top-level football.

“In life we all go through challenges and if you don’t get bitter, you’ll come out better. Life is about character development,’’ he said.

Mr Stevens attends training sessions and games and works with first grade and junior players as well as coaches and staff.

Rabbitohs star Sam Burgess pictured during a round 14 NRL match against the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium in June. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

“The most important thing is to support the boys and to help them,’’ he said.

“When the players are under pressure and they don’t have someone to talk to, it can be like a can of Coke that you shake up. It will explode.

“They may be under pressure from injury or to be picked (for first grade) and they may find ways to cope that are not healthy, or they may get into arguments.

“If they see that I’m there and I care, they can release their emotions in a positive way and then play the best footy and be the best family person they can be.’’

Mr Stevens said his faith stemmed from his mother Mary, who raised her four children on her own as a single parent after his father left the family home.

“Mum worked three jobs to put food on the table and she wanted us to have the best in life,’’ he said.