Dan Hunt /

Fast facts

• Born in Sydney, NSW
• Debuted in 2007 and played more than 150 games over nine years for St. George Illawarra Dragons
• Won the 2010 Premiership with St. George Illawarra Dragons
• Represented Australia and won the 2011 World Cup Challenge
• Played for NSW Country team in 2011
• Scored 12 career tries
• Played in the 2011 Country Origin
• Played in 13 Australian Prime Ministers games
• Retired from professional rugby league in 2016
• NRL Ambassador from 2016-2017
• NRL State of Mind Ambassador since 2016
• NRL Community Program Deliverer since 2018

Fun facts

• Favourite NRL team: Dragons
• Career ambition as a kid: A fireman
• Favorite food: Spaghetti bolognese
• Spirit animal: A great white shark
• What's on TV (when the footy isn't on): Netflix

Biography

Dan made his NRL debut in 2007 with the St. George Illawarra Dragons, spending his entire nine-year career with the club.

During this time, Dan played 150 games including the Dragons' 2010 Grand Final win and in 2011 was selected for the winning Australian Rugby League World Cup squad.

Dan was appointed a NRL Ambassador and NRL State of Mind Ambassador in 2016 after consistently supporting a number of charity and community organisations over his playing years.

Today, Dan is a NRL Community Program Deliverer, helping to present the NRL's Voice Against Violence and State of Mind programs around the country. He is also a Kids Helpline Ambassador, KidzWish Superhero Ambassador and has taken part in many different Indigenous community events.

"I have my own lived experience, I have studied and am currently working in the space and I am very passionate about using my education, knowledge and lived experience to educate and help others manage their own mental health and help others manage theirs," said Dan.

"The NRL spreads such important social messages to a wide range of the community. From grassroots junior rugby league clubs, to first grade players, it encourages Australians to get involved, to respect each other and to maintain a healthy lifestyle."

Dan is particularly passionate about the NRL's State of Mind campaign, which aims to increase awareness of mental health issues and combat the stigma around it.

When visiting school students, Dan shares what he has learned through playing professional sport in the hope that it inspires and encourages young Australians to strive for their goals.

"Rugby League has taught me to stay humble and work hard for what you want. I've also learned it doesn't cost anything to be a good person."

Dan is the CEO and founder of Mental Health Movement, educating and developing individuals to better manage their mental health and also works for the St George Illawarra Dragons as a Welfare and Education Manager.