CREST OF A WAVE
Surfing switch makes real man of Mullally
ANTHONY MULLALLY thought he would be on top of the world when he helped Leeds Rhinos become Super League champions four years ago.
Instead, he was overwhelmed by a feeling of, ‘What now?’ and knew he needed to reassess what made him happy.
Now, Mullally, 29, is on the crest of a wave after shunning rugby league glory.
First he turned to meditation for answers and when lockdown happened last year he decided it was time for drastic action – as far away from a rugby pitch as it could be. He bought a camper van, moved to Cornwall and he immersed himself in nature, spending his time surfing and hiking.
It had such a resounding effect that Mullally decided to turn his back on Super League and instead set up men’s nature retreats and workshops.
He said: “All I’d wanted was to win a Grand Final but when I did I thought, ‘What now?’ I realised happiness has to come from within. You do not need status.”
By last year he was with Toronto, who then pulled out of Super League, but the 6ft 5in forward said he knew early in the first lockdown that his life had changed forever.
“I need to be really motivated and emotional to get the best out of me and the thought of going back full-time wasn’t doing it for me,” said Mullally, who joined AS Carcassone in France as a part-time player.
He said: “I know it is not for everyone and some will laugh and that is completely fine. But if men are feeling isolated and are struggling to find a purpose, then I can offer a space to come and be vulnerable and express their feelings.
“As a man you have expectations like showing strength, not weakness, but I want to break down some of that stigma when it comes to masculinity.
“When you’re in nature, you can start to reassess. Surfing, hiking and nature is how I am trying to reach men.
“It’s adventure but if they also want to open up in discussions then great.” Mullally, dubbed the Vegan Warrior after switching his diet while at Leeds, said: “Growing up, I thought to be a man you had to be dominant and strong but it got me into trouble and I got community service for fighting.
“You do not have to be a tough guy to be masculine. Integrity and compassion is a big part of it.”
Mullally’s next three-night retreat will be held in Cornwall in July with more workshops planned later in the year.
Go to www.anthonymullally.com further details. for