Harry Rushton | Tackle the Tough Stuff

As part of Tackle The Tough Stuff, we spoke with Huddersfield forward Harry Rushton to discuss his feelings of isolation and how he managed with homesickness during his time playing in the NRL.

When the young Englishman was presented the chance to embark on a new journey down under, he simply couldn't turn it down. Harry speaks about how difficult it is for players to make these big steps and that it is perhaps not deemed as tough as it should.

"I think people underestimate that for anyone going over to the other side of the world is tough, it's a big step. I had it quite hard because there's times where you just want to give your mum a hug or talk to your parents about training, the game or what's happened in your day".

The reality of living so far away for Harry soon began to sink in and the lack of regular interaction with his loved ones proved to be a challenge.

"It makes you sit back and reflect on how important your family and your friends are and how important it is to see them every day. Being back here now I realise how important it is to see all my friends and family all the time. I don't take that for granted.

"When I got there, I was just pushed out of my comfort zone, and I had to talk to someone. It was a daunting feeling and with COVID still being big at the time, I was thinking I may not see my family for 3 years".

Despite feeling isolated for much of the time, Rushton praised the support network that the NRL side had in operation.

"You need some help from some people. Andrew Bishop was the wellbeing officer, and he was good with me. Canberra is quite far away, and they aren't used to having players come from Canberra and play for the first team, so they are used to having people come from far away, which is why they have got a good set-up to help people feel comfortable.

Unfortunately, Rushton ended up breaking his jaw in 2 places and ultimately, it ended up being a major factor in him deciding to return to the UK.

"When we were playing against Sydney bears, I ended up breaking my jaw in two places. I was sat in Hospital thinking about it and the fact I had so long on my own, I was thinking about home, and it swayed my decision really. I might not have come home if that didn't happen."

"It was like a switch in my head that said I want to go back now. It's not a decision I regret, I'm loving my time here and I think I made the right decision."

"I love it here. It's a great group of lads. We have a laugh around the training ground and although we are in a tough patch now, I do think we'll come out on the other side stronger".