NRL 2022: South Sydney great John Sutton opens up on post-career pain

South Sydney’s 2014 premiership-winning captain John Sutton has opened up on how his life spiralled after he retired from the NRL.

Former Souths skipper John Sutton. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

South Sydney’s last premiership-winning captain, John Sutton, has revealed he entered a rehabilitation clinic this year for alcohol abuse and depression.

Sutton, 37, spoke of his decision to abandon booze, declaring: “Every day that I stay sober is a good day.”

Sutton wrote himself into South Sydney’s rich history by leading the club to a historic 30-6 win over Canterbury in the 2014 grand final.

The most capped Souths player in the club’s 114-year history, Sutton remains heavily involved as the Rabbitohs’ blue shirt trainer this season, while also working as a development coach.

Sutton spoke of his post-career struggles which culminated in a stint in a rehab facility a few months ago.

John Sutton has opened up on his post-career struggles. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

A representative backrower, Sutton’s shock admission comes as his club prepares for Saturday night’s elimination final against Cronulla at Allianz Stadium.

Sutton opened up on his retirement pain during a special podcast titled Unfiltered by commentator Andy Raymond.

“The last few years haven’t been great,” Sutton said. “I have suffered bad depression ever since retiring. And, obviously, drinking didn’t help that.

“I have been working on myself and the alcohol. I gave it up. I am staying off that. Every day that I stay sober is a good day.

“It’s something that I just don’t need in my life right now.

“The club has looked after me but I have struggled in the last few years transitioning out of football.

“A few months ago I went into rehab and have been trying to sort my life out. It was just so weird after football. I didn’t think I would struggle that much.

John Sutton captained the Rabbitohs to grand final glory in 2014.

“But playing 16 years of rugby league, it was tough in that sense. It’s hard to speak up. Players don’t want to. Men don’t want to. It’s very hard to do for some people, to open up.

“When I finished playing I didn’t want to talk about my problems until it got too bad and I was struggling.”

Sutton has battled hard to save his life spiralling further out of control – but remains frustrated at a lack of support from the NRL.

Asked by Raymond whether enough was being done by the NRL to help with depression, Sutton said: “To be honest, I don’t think so, especially for players transitioning out of football.

“It’s tough. It’s all I knew for 16 years.

“I have been grateful for Souths and I have a good job there but I think the NRL should do a lot more in that space where players are transitioning into the next phase of their life and career.

“There needs to be more help in that space.

“The last few months have been good for myself. I have been working on myself and becoming a better person, someone there more for my wife (Stacey) and family.

“But I’m on my way up now. I encourage everyone, if you’re having a tough time, have a chat about it.”

Sutton played 361 NRL games for Souths between 2004 and 2019.

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