Joe Galuvao /

Fast facts

• Born in Auckland, New Zealand
• Debuted in 1998 for the Auckland Warriors
• Represented New Zealand in its international team in 2003
• Won two grand final premierships with the Penrith Panthers and Manly Sea Eagles
• Played 240 NRL matches and scored 27 tries
• Retired from professional rugby league in 2013
• NRL Ambassador from 2015 - 2017
• NRL Community Program Deliverer since 2018

Biography

Born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand, Joe made his NRL debut in 1998 with the New Zealand Warriors.

Joe enjoyed an impressive 16-year Rugby League career, including a 2003 Grand Final Premiership with the Penrith Panthers and 2013 Grand Final Premiership with the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles. Joe also represented New Zealand in international tests in 2003.

After spending countless hours in the community through his playing years with various Clubs, Joe took his commitment to giving back to the next level when he became a NRL Ambassador, and today works alongside other talented current and former players as a NRL Community Program Deliverer.

Joe credits his passion for community to the many lessons that Rugby League taught him throughout his career, including working as a team and putting others before yourself.

"The physical and personal journey of my playing career definitely helped me grow and relate better to young people. They constantly inspire me to strive for excellence, both on and off the field, and now I want to do the same for them."

Joe is particularly passionate about the impact sport can have on promoting multiculturalism.

"Rugby League is a great way for people to come together. It teaches us that no matter what your ability or gender, sport is a universal language. It encourages equality and working together - getting to know the person behind the skin colour."

Joe has also worked to increase awareness around mental health via the NRL's State of Mind campaign.

"We're aiming to erase the stigma of mental health amongst players and the broader community. For men in particular, we want them to know that talking about what's going on in their mind is a good thing. Your mental health is the center of professional sport. You need to be at your best, and we are here to help with that," said Joe.