Sam Thaiday joins I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here! for 2025 season

NRL favourite Sam Thaiday has revealed a big change and what part of it he's most worried about.

NRL favourite Sam Thaiday has been announced as a contestant on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Picture: Network Ten.

NRL favourite Sam Thaiday is trading the footy field for the wilds of Africa, officially announced as one of the star contestants on the new season of I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here!

Speaking to The Courier-Mail ahead of embarking on his jungle adventure, the former Brisbane Broncos hard-hitter, 39, confessed it feels like suiting up for his first NRL match all over again.

“It’s a bit like a debut game,” he said, laughing.

“You’ve got that nervousness, but you’re also excited because you’re about to debut as well.”

When asked what he’ll miss most during his jungle stint, Thaiday didn’t hesitate to admit he’s a “massive foodie” who’ll struggle with zero access to snacks.

“What I’ll miss most is the simple ability to walk past the cupboard or the fridge and grab a little snack – there’ll be a zero snacking going on in the in the jungle at all,” he said.

“I’ve even thought about emptying out my toothpaste and putting chocolate mousse in there.”

Stepping into a show designed to push contestants to their limits, Thaiday revealed his biggest fear is a little unconventional.

“Reading out loud, that’s my biggest fear,” he joked.

Sam Thaiday is ready to go into the jungle. Picture: Network Ten.

“But I’m sure my fear factor will be tested — snakes crawling all over you, scary small spaces, and even the food challenges … it’s not normal cuisine at the end of the day.”

Still, the Queensland footy legend believes his 16 gruelling pre-seasons — and a few intense army camps — will help him tough it out.

“I’ve built up some intestinal fortitude over the years,” he said.

“I just hope I can keep up with whatever the jungle throws at me.”

As for the inevitable drama that comes with living alongside other celebrities, Thaiday said he’s well-prepared — thanks to his experience as both a husband and father.

“I am in a household with four women, so I’m used to having to deal with drama all the time. Maybe I have been secretly preparing for this for a long time,” he joked.

Broncos prop Sam Thaiday during his playing days.

Yet he believes one habit could ruffle feathers with his fellow contestants.

“My wife would tell you I am a snorer and a farter, so I’m probably going to annoy people with those types of bodily functions.”

Despite any potential friction, Thaiday is banking on his team spirit to carry him far in the competition.

“If I treat all the contestants that are there like teammates and figure out who my halfback is and who my five-eighth is … I think those things will really help me out,” he said.

Representing the charity Find Your Feet, which supports boys in building emotional resilience, Thaiday hopes his journey will inspire viewers.

“I’ve worked with them before, and the difference they make is incredible,” he said.

Fellow Queenslander and former Big Brother star Reggie Bird will also join him in the jungle.

I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here! Premieres Sunday, 19 January At 7.00pm On 10 And 10 Play.

Originally published as Sam Thaiday joins I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here! for 2025 season