Sydney Roosters prop Lindsay Collins opens up on his religious beliefs after years of hiding them

“It can become a hard topic to talk about these days but it shouldn’t.” Lindsay Collins used to pray in the toilets before games, but now feels comfortable speaking publicly about his religious beliefs, his drive and what’s next in his career.

Sydney Roosters front-rower Lindsay Collins will bring God to Sin City next week.

Collins has spoken publicly for the first time about his devoted religious beliefs, revealing he prays before every game – and the night before a match – while also acknowledging his football ability was a “God-given gift.”

He will hold the Roosters’ middle together against Brisbane at Allegiant Stadium on March 3 with his long-time middle partner Jared Waerea-Hargreaves unavailable through suspension.

Collins, 27, is devoutly religious but hasn’t made his holy beliefs public and asked that he not be painted as an overzealous Christian.

Sydney Roosters prop Lindsay Collins. Picture: NRL Photos

“God has given me this gift, what do I need to do in return? It’s to squeeze the lemon out of this career,” Collins said.

“I think God gives everyone a gift and then you’ve got to find what that is. You repay him by giving it everything and being the best version of yourself.

“I grew up religious, stepped away from it, I wasn’t into it too much when in my teenage years, but lately I have given it more thought. I’m slowly chipping away at it.

“I always, always, even during that period when I wasn’t as conscious of it as I am now, I pray before games and pray the night before games. That’s my routine.

“I ask for guidance for myself and the team, to get through the game injury free.

“We had a full scrimmage game the other week, where we even had a warm-up and went back in the sheds. I used to (pray) in the toilet so my body reacted and I went straight to the toilet and was halfway through a prayer before I even realised what I was doing.

“If it helps out then why not continue diving into it? I’m on a journey at the moment, I’m figuring it out.

“My grandad (former Australian player Lionel Williamson) is very religious and was going to become a priest before he played rugby league.

“There are bits that people pick out of religion but the main body of it are the morals and values that are instilled in some of the messaging. That’s important.

“It can become a hard topic to talk about these days but it shouldn’t. Everyone has their different religions and thoughts.

“When I talk about those one-percenters, I feel like that’s part of it as well, if you can find yourself, your reasoning, you have a path and once you’re clear on that path then you can attack anything.”

A Queensland State of Origin representative and Kangaroo’s World Cup winner, Collins claimed the 2023 Jack Gibson Medal as Roosters player of the year.

A player with a remarkable work ethic, Collins has reinvented himself over the past two years to become one of the NRL’s best front-rowers.

“I’m just being me – I love being professional,” he said. “We’re pretty fortunate to have a job like this. You grow up as a kid wanting to become a rugby league player. I want to chase the best version of myself and see how good I can get personally.”

Collins described the Vegas experiment as “really exciting”.

“We get to showcase our game to America,” he said.

“It’s pretty cool. I’ve played a few games over in Europe and now in America. We are fortunate as a club to have these experiences.

“We’ve had a couple of World Club Challenges where we’ve been to Paris, Barcelona and now we get the opportunity to come to America, train in LA and play a game in Vegas in a stadium where they have just had the Super Bowl.”

Originally published as Sydney Roosters prop Lindsay Collins opens up on his religious beliefs after years of hiding them