Jordan Simi: Former footy player turned influencer who wants to fight Barry Hall and take over the art world

He’s made his name as an influencer, boxer and footy player. Now Jordan Simi is now making a huge splash, and breaking down barriers, in a whole new world.

Jordan Simi has already had a colourful career, and wants to take over the art world. Picture: Jordan Simi

He’s a former homeless lower grade footy player turned podcaster and influencer, who boxed Justin Hodges, wants to fight AFL bad boy Barry Hall, and, in his latest journey, plans on taking over the art world.

Meet Sydneysider Jordan Simi.

Born and raised in New Zealand, Simi always felt a great affinity to art during his rugby league days, but really dived into his passion during Sydney’s Covid lockdowns.

Goodman v Schleibs & Hardman v Saavedra | WED 13 MAR | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.

Now, just a few years on, he has two pieces at an inner city art gallery exhibition alongside an Archibald Prize winner.

“This will be my first gallery experience, and to even be a part of it is crazy,” Simi tells this masthead from the Nanda/Hobbs gallery in Chippendale.

“The artist on the wall behind you now won the most prestigious award that you can win in Australia.

“There are paintings in here that sell for $100k.

“So to even be in this room – probably one of the best galleries in Australia – is crazy for me, because I was just painting in the garage just a couple of years ago.”

Simi poses in front of one of his pieces at the Nanda\Hobbs gallery in Chippendale. Picture: Brendan Bradford

Simi was at rock bottom when a couple of high-profile acquaintances picked him up and urged him to lean into his art and podcasting.

“I was sleeping in the back of my car and Corey Norman caught wind of it,” he said. “I didn’t really know Corey that well at the time, but he was like, ‘Do you want to come and live with me until you get back on your feet?’

“This was when he was at the Dragons, and he pushed me to get myself out there more, jump on vlogs and podcasts.

“He was the main reason why all this stuff happened.”

Simi (L) fought Justin Hodges (R) in 2022. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

Simi’s promising rugby league career came to a premature end after a now-illegal hip drop tackle a few years ago.

In hindsight, it was a blessing.

“He slipped down my back and dropped all his weight on the back of my leg,” Simi said of the career-ending tackle. “I just remember lying there, laughing and was like, ‘What am I doing here?

“I used to get the itch to come back, but in a good way art has taken that away from me.”

Although rugby league always seemed like the more likely career path, his art journey started many years ago during a high school detention.

“I got into trouble at high school and they made me paint the painting for detention,” he said. “A lady ended up purchasing it for like $3-4,000, so that was my first taste of it.”

Simi poses with a few of his works. Picture: Instagram/Supplied

Now realising his potential on a bigger scale, Simi has been compared by his peers to world renowned artist Robert Nava.

Director and CEO of the National Art School Steven Alderton says Simi’s authenticity and uniqueness is what separates him and his work from others in the industry.

“He brings a unique voice and perspective and I think internationally he will do well,” Alderton said. “Where art’s going now, people want an authentic voice, and what Jordan’s doing is making art from a place that is authentic.

“He will springboard out of Sydney, and internationally he will do well.”

Simi has sold artworks to NRL players and All Blacks. Picture: Instagram/Supplied

Unwilling to be pigeonholed as “just” a footy player, or “just” an artist, Simi wants to keep boxing as well.

“I’m in this weird position where there’s the art world, and then there’s the Instagram and sporting world, and I’m in the middle,” he said. “You’re not really welcomed on either side.

“I feel like you’re put into a box and you have to stay in that box, but I can’t do that.

“I’m trying to create my own space. I don’t want to do just one thing, I want to do it all.”

Barry Hall fought to a draw with Paul Gallen, and was knocked out by Sonny Bill Williams. Picture: Getty Images

And in former AFL star Barry Hall – who most recently lost to Sonny Bill Williams in 2022 – Simi reckons he has the perfect opponent.

“I really want to fight Barry Hall,” he said. “He’s a big, strong dude, he’s super-athletic.

“He lost to Sonny, and I’m sure he’d want to come back and fight again, so it might be a good comeback fight for him.

“I’ve been training hard, and I think it would draw a lot of hype.”

Originally published as Jordan Simi: Former footy player turned influencer who wants to fight Barry Hall and take over the art world