Surprising source of NRL star Adam MacDougall’s $635 million wealth

A two-time NRL premiership winner has made Australia’s rich list for the first time - and his $635m fortune has nothing to do with footy.

Rugby league great Adam MacDougall has found himself on the country’s rich list due to the success of his meal replacement shake company.

MacDougall, a two-time NRL premiership winner with the Newcastle Knights, and his wife Belinda are now worth a staggering $635 million.

The Australian published its list of Australia’s 250 richest people on Friday, with the MacDougall included for the first time at 227 with company Cranky Health.

NRL chief Andrew Abdo and Adam MacDougall with the Man Shake product.

The newspaper reports the company’s value skyrocketed after Private Equity Partners made a $400m investment in the business in 2022.

Cranky Health’s flagship product is the Man Shake, which bills itself as a product that “helps everyday Aussie blokes lose weight, feel great and be the best versions of themselves”.

The company also has Lady Shake and Kids Shake products.

Adam MacDougall retired in 2011. Picture: Colin Whelan/nrlphotos.com

Adam MacDougall and his wife Belinda.

See the full Richest 250 list at richest250.com.au

MacDougall, known by the nickname “Mad Dog”, studied a Masters of Business during his rugby league career and started the company after retiring in 2011.

In his playing days the 48-year-old was known for his uncompromising style as a winger and centre.

He played in the Knights’ two grand final wins in 1997 and 2001, and represented NSW and Australian 11 times each.

Adam MacDougall and his wife started the company after retirement.

Adam MacDougall and Robbie O'Davis celebrate with Knights fans following victory in the 2001 NRL grand final. Picture: Robert McKell

MacDougall also played for South Sydney and the Sydney Roosters.

The Australian’s list is headed up by mining magnate Gina Rinehart, who has an estimated worth of $50 billion, followed by Twiggy and Nicola Forest at a combined $37 billion.

Melbourne rubbish and packaging tycoon Anthony Pratt ($27.6b) was next, with Sydney development boss Harry Triguboff ($26b) rounding out the top five.

Atlassian duo Mike Cannon-Brookes and Scott Farquhar, Clive Palmer, Kerry Stokes and Canva owners Cliff Obrecht and Melanie Perkins completed the top 11 spots.

Originally published as Surprising source of NRL star Adam MacDougall’s $635 million wealth