‘I woke up that night wondering what I’d just done’: The phone call that got Sam Bremner out of retirement and back on the NRLW field

Sam Bremner is part of an important new campaign that is a must for all footy fans on the eve of the finals.

Sam Bremner has explained how she made the decision to come out of retirement to play for the Roosters this season. Picture: Jan Kruger/Getty Images for RLWC

Jillaroos legend Sam Bremner does nothing in moderation when it comes to being one of the fittest players in the NRLW, but she has a strong message to footy fans ahead of the finals, warning them not to drink too much if they want to enjoy the best time of the year.

Bremner is part of the new Always Respect, Always DrinkWise campaign that is encouraging fans to enjoy themselves over the finals but to do so in moderation so they don’t miss out on any of the action in the NRL, NRLW, AFL and AFLW.

Research shows that 20 per cent of AFL and NRL fans said that in the past they’ve missed a great moment of a sporting event because they’ve had too much to drink, although the moderation message seems to be resonating, with 95 per cent of AFL and NRL fans agreeing it’s important that people drink responsibly at sporting events.

Bremner is joined by Patrick Dangerfield, Emma Kearney and Daly Cherry-Evans, with the stars calling on fans to be respectful and to be smart with their choices.

Sam Bremner has always been a champion on the field, and now she’s trying to send an important message to fans ahead of the finals. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

“I’m so happy to be on-board with this campaign because it’s always such an exciting time of year when it comes to finals,” the Roosters fullback said.

“The message is we want people to celebrate and all be together and enjoy it, but as long as we drink responsibly and keep each other safe, that’s what we want to spread to everyone.

“Being an elite athlete, we’re so fortunate in that we get so much access to knowledge about drinking in moderation, the benefits of that and the adverse effects as well.”

Bremner was supposed to be enjoying a few quiet drinks this time of year during the NRLW season, but she finds herself back on the park having retired after the 2022 World Cup win.

While she had her doubts at the time when Roosters coach John Strange asked her to return, Bremner is glad she did it, with the Tricolours losing Corban Baxter to an ACL injury in a trial match on the eve of the new NRLW season.

Bremner thought the 2022 World Cup final would be her last ever game. Picture: Naomi Baker/Getty Images

“Sometimes I just look around and wonder how I got here because two months ago I was in my pyjamas drinking coffee with my kids crawling all over me on the lounge,” Bremner said.

“I was at home watching the Roosters trial match on my laptop and I saw that Corban went down and knew it was bad, and then Brydie Parker went on and she broke her wrist.

“I didn’t think too much of it, but the next morning I received a phone call from John asking if I’d consider filling in.

“It was a weird feeling because I’ve been so happy in retirement and I’ve loved pursuing other interests and goals outside of rugby league.

“For me it was a ‘no’ at the time, but then my husband came home and said it was a cool opportunity and that I didn’t have to do a full pre-season which was a big thing for me.

“Even once I said ‘yes’, I woke up that night wondering what I’d just done because sometimes it’s a scary thought when you’re happy to change that. I’m so glad I did it because I’ve learnt a lot and I’m really enjoying it.”

Bremner has been as effective as ever despite not having a proper pre-season with the Roosters. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Bremner has looked comfortable at the back for the Roosters who appear headed for another finals campaign, with the veteran sending a message to her teammates and the rest of the competition when she won a 1.2km time trial on her first day back.

“I have a love for health and wellbeing and fitness, but I didn’t think I’d go as well as I did,” she said.

“The last time I had a time like that was when I was 19 and 10 kilos lighter.

“It just came down from that mental break I gave myself because I genuinely didn’t think I’d ever return to football.”

Originally published as ‘I woke up that night wondering what I’d just done’: The phone call that got Sam Bremner out of retirement and back on the NRLW field